Projected 2025–26 Indiana Pacers Depth Chart Revealed: Roster Outlook, Positional Battles, and Key Rotational Pieces for Upcoming NBA Season.
The Indiana Pacers enter the 2025–26 NBA season with renewed optimism, armed with a revamped roster that blends veteran leadership, emerging young stars, and dynamic two-way talent. With their recent postseason performances raising expectations, the organization has focused on building a deep, flexible rotation capable of navigating the rigors of an 82-game season and a long playoff run. The team’s depth chart reflects a front office that’s invested in skill development, roster balance, and athletic versatility—key traits necessary in today’s modern NBA.
At the top of the depth chart sits point guard Tyrese Haliburton, the undisputed leader and floor general of this Pacers squad. His court vision, passing wizardry, and ability to create off the dribble have transformed Indiana’s offense into one of the most dynamic in the league. Averaging double-digit assists for the past two seasons, Haliburton is not only the engine of Indiana’s attack but also a calming presence in clutch moments. Behind him, Andrew Nembhard continues to blossom as a reliable backup. Known for his poise and basketball IQ, Nembhard has the confidence to run the second unit and can even play alongside Haliburton in two-guard lineups thanks to his size and defensive instincts. Rookie point guard Jared McCain, selected late in the first round, is also expected to see occasional minutes as he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the NBA game. McCain brings shooting and grit, and the coaching staff sees him as a long-term rotational piece.
At shooting guard, Bennedict Mathurin returns poised to take the next leap in his development. An explosive scorer with a downhill mentality, Mathurin is learning to balance shot creation with playmaking. His strength and athleticism make him difficult to contain in transition, and if he continues to improve his outside shot and defense, he could become a future All-Star. Veteran Bruce Brown offers a steady hand and physical defense off the bench, capable of guarding multiple positions while contributing as a cutter and secondary ball-handler. The team also acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard during the offseason, providing another layer of offensive spacing and a deadly threat from beyond the arc. The mix of scoring, defense, and shooting depth gives the Pacers plenty of lineup options, especially when experimenting with small-ball units or late-game offensive sets.
Small forward is a position of intrigue. Aaron Nesmith is penciled in as the starter, having earned trust through tough perimeter defense, hustle plays, and improved three-point shooting. Nesmith isn’t flashy, but he’s a glue guy—someone who fills gaps, guards opposing wings, and hits open shots. Backing him up is rookie Ryan Dunn, one of the most promising defenders in the 2024 NBA Draft class. Though his offensive game remains raw, Dunn’s ability to lock down multiple positions and bring energy off the bench makes him an exciting addition. Isaiah Wong, entering his second year, may also see some minutes on the wing, especially if he shows improved decision-making and consistency from the field.
Power forward remains a strength for Indiana, anchored by All-Star Pascal Siakam. Since being acquired via trade, Siakam has brought championship pedigree, elite transition play, and the ability to create offense from the high post. His fit alongside Haliburton has been seamless, and his leadership has had a noticeable impact on the team’s culture. Obi Toppin, a high-flying forward with a knack for highlight-reel dunks, serves as a capable backup. His ability to space the floor with a developing jumper and run the break makes him a valuable weapon off the bench. The Pacers also have Kendall Brown, a rangy athlete who adds depth and defensive versatility, though he’ll need to carve out a more defined role if he’s to earn regular minutes. With Siakam in place, the Pacers have the flexibility to shift lineups depending on matchups, and they can even slide Siakam to center in certain situations for a faster, more switchable defensive look.
At center, Myles Turner remains a pillar of consistency. Known for his elite shot-blocking and rim protection, Turner’s value on defense is immense. He anchors the backline and allows Indiana’s perimeter defenders to take more risks. Offensively, Turner has developed a reliable three-point shot, stretching the floor and opening driving lanes for Haliburton and Mathurin. Behind him, young big man Isaiah Jackson brings energy, rebounding, and athleticism. Jackson is still raw in terms of polish, but his upside is undeniable. Jalen Smith also provides valuable minutes as a stretch big, capable of knocking down midrange and three-point shots while offering rebounding and hustle. The center position, often a weak spot on many teams, is a solid strength for Indiana with a combination of veteran skill and youthful upside.
From top to bottom, Indiana’s depth chart suggests a team built for both the present and the future. The starting five of Haliburton, Mathurin, Nesmith, Siakam, and Turner combines experience with rising star power. The bench unit—featuring Nembhard, Brown, Toppin, Kennard, and Jackson—offers a variety of skill sets that can adapt to different game situations. This kind of roster depth will be crucial over the course of a long season that includes back-to-backs, travel fatigue, and injuries.
In terms of rotations, Head Coach Rick Carlisle has plenty of flexibility. He can go big with Turner and Siakam or opt for small-ball lineups with Toppin or Brown at the four. He can push the pace with Nembhard and McCain in the backcourt or focus on defense by inserting Dunn and Nesmith on the wings. Carlisle has always been known for his tactical adjustments, and this deep roster allows him to mix and match depending on opponent, pace, and matchups. Players like McCain and Wong may not see major minutes early, but their development through the G-League and practice sessions could make them valuable contributors late in the season or in case of injury.
The chemistry between Haliburton and Siakam will be one of the key factors to watch this season. Their pick-and-roll game has the potential to be lethal, especially with shooters like Kennard spacing the floor. Defensively, the team needs improved communication and more consistent effort, particularly from the younger wings like Mathurin and Dunn. If those players buy into the defensive identity that Carlisle is preaching, Indiana could evolve into a legitimate top-six team in the Eastern Conference.
Front office decisions have also positioned the Pacers well for the future. They’ve retained key assets, developed young players, and added veterans without sacrificing cap flexibility. The addition of Dunn and McCain through the draft shows a long-term vision, while keeping core players like Haliburton and Turner ensures continuity. The Pacers are no longer seen as a rebuilding team—they’re now viewed as a rising power that can challenge higher-seeded teams on any given night.
Of course, success in the NBA isn’t guaranteed, and Indiana will face stiff competition in a loaded Eastern Conference. Teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers remain championship-caliber opponents. Emerging teams such as the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Detroit Pistons are also on the rise, adding more pressure to secure every win possible. The Pacers can’t afford long stretches of inconsistency, and the development of their second unit will be crucial in avoiding burnout for the starters.
Injury management will be another key theme. Haliburton missed stretches last season, and keeping him healthy is priority number one. Depth at point guard helps, but there’s no replacement for his leadership and playmaking. Siakam’s minutes will also need to be monitored, particularly in back-to-back situations. Having players like Toppin and Brown ready to fill in with starter-level intensity will help mitigate the load on the stars.
As the 2025–26 season unfolds, the Pacers will look to prove that last year’s playoff surge wasn’t a fluke. With a balanced depth chart, elite playmaking, and a strong team culture, they appear primed to compete every night. The fanbase, hungry for a return to championship contention, has every reason to believe that this iteration of the Indiana Pacers is ready to take the next step. Whether that results in a deep playoff run or a surprising upset of one of the East’s elite squads remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: this team has the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to make it happen.
