Indiana Pacers fans know it, and Rick Carlisle knows it: no matter what, Tyrese Haliburton is always upbeat and positive, and that is what makes him special (h/t Green Light with Chris Long).
"It's all very upbeat. [Tyrese Haliburton] is just one in I don't know how many...Every once in a while, you find a guy...where regardless of the difficulty of the situation, there was gonna be a positivity, there was gonna be an upbeat projection...He's just one of those guys, Carlisle said.
Since joining the Pacers via a trade from the Sacramento Kings in February, Haliburton has established himself as one of the best point guards in the league. Furthermore, he is already climbing the franchise ladder and is one of the greatest Pacers in history.
With the Pacers, the Wisconsin native is a two-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA team selection, a one-time assists leader, and a one-time Olympic Gold medalist. Furthermore, he led the team to their first conference finals appearance in a decade in 2024 and their first NBA Finals appearance for the first time in over two decades in 2025.
Unfortunately for Haliburton and the Pacers, he will not suit up for the team next year due to an Achilles injury. However, like Carlisle says, it is always a positive attitude with Haliburton, and that is why Pacers fans should be happy to call him their star player.
Where the Pacers stand without Tyrese Haliburton
The Pacers took the best team in the league to a Game 7 in the NBA Finals a month ago. Additionally, it is fair to wonder if the result would have been any different if Haliburton had never suffered his injury, considering how hot he was to start the game. Regardless, Indiana still has a bright future, but another deep playoff run is unlikely.
There is a lot to like about the Pacers' roster even without Haliburton. They are young and talented, and everybody buys into their role. It also helps that Carlisle is one of the best head coaches in the game as well. Still, a lot would need to go right for them to be legitimate title contenders in 2026.
Fortunately for the Pacers, they play in a wide-open Eastern Conference. They have what it takes to still make some noise, especially with their reputation for being resilient. However, it would be borderline impossible for them to make it back to the NBA Finals as soon as next year.
In addition to Haliburton, the Pacers will also be without Myles Turner, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason. The team will have to navigate life without them next year, and it is fair to assume they are going to go through their ups and downs. Furthermore, their offensive dynamic is going to be completely different and will take some getting used to.
The Pacers are still an exciting team, but most of their success was thanks to Haliburton. Without him, while they might still be a good team, they lose a lot of what made them special. Regardless, Indiana can contend in the long run, and they probably will. Next season, however, is probably not going to be a competing season for the Pacers, who are in for what most expect to be a gap year.