Can the Pacers Fix Their Roster in 2025–2026 and Will It Lead to Success?
Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard announced earlier this week that superstar guard Tyrese Haliburton would not play in the 2025–2026 NBA season. After losing center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, Indiana’s starting lineup is expected to look much different compared to their 2025 NBA Finals run. Losing out on the prominent free agents, the Pacers must address their needs internally through development. Who can be inserted into the lineup for Haliburton and Turner? Will it lead to success?
Who Takes Over in the Backcourt?
Andrew Nembhard had a breakout postseason run, solidifying himself as one of the league’s top defenders. While he doesn’t play at the same pace as Haliburton does, Nembhard is the top ball-handler left on Indiana’s roster. T.J. McConnell provided timely sparks throughout their Finals run, and his experience could be used if the Nembhard experiment falters. Malcolm Brogdon, a current free agent and former Indiana Pacer, could be an immediate, serviceable fix while Haliburton recovers. Indiana has reportedly explored the possibility of bringing back the former Virginia guard.
Who Anchors the Frontcourt?
Turner’s shocking departure to Milwaukee has added another void for the Pacers to fill. After missing out on Deandre Ayton, the Pacers traded for former Memphis Grizzly center Jay Huff and signed former second overall pick James Wiseman. With Thomas Bryant and Obi Toppin on their roster, Head Coach Rick Carlisle can plug in several players to fill Turner’s role. Bryant's sporadic role throughout the NBA Finals may be the experience he needs to have a breakout season as a starter.
Crushing blows to their roster have redefined the term “success” for the Indiana Pacers in the 2025–2026 NBA season. Less than one month ago, success would be defined as reclaiming the Eastern Conference and vying for the chance at an NBA title. Now, success would be avoiding the play-in game. Indiana’s “true success” will be developing their young, budding players and improving their roster to gear up for another magical run in 2027.
