The Indiana Pacers enter the 2025–26 season facing a major test. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is out for the year with a torn Achilles. Myles Turner, the team’s longtime defensive anchor, left in free agency to join the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Indiana Pacers enter the 2025–26 season in an unfamiliar position, one that leaves the organization facing both immediate adversity and long-term uncertainty. With star point guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire season due to a torn Achilles, and Myles Turner, their longtime defensive anchor, opting to leave in free agency to join the Milwaukee Bucks, the Pacers are in a state of transition. The departure of Turner, combined with Haliburton’s injury, signals a seismic shift for the franchise, one that could shape the direction of the team for years to come.
To fully understand the gravity of the situation, it’s important to acknowledge just how central Haliburton and Turner were to the Pacers’ identity. Haliburton, who emerged as one of the league’s most exciting young point guards in recent years, was the driving force behind Indiana’s offense. His court vision, ability to make others better, and consistent scoring made him a centerpiece of the team’s hopes for the future. As the primary playmaker, Haliburton not only orchestrated the Pacers’ offense but was also the glue that kept their system together. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the backcourt, one that will be difficult to fill.
Turner, on the other hand, was the foundation of the Pacers’ defense. Known for his shot-blocking prowess and rebounding ability, Turner was an elite rim protector, a player who could alter games simply by being on the court. His presence in the paint allowed the Pacers to take risks defensively, knowing that they had a safety net in Turner. He was also an offensive weapon, capable of spacing the floor with his three-point shooting, making him a versatile big man who could impact the game on both ends. Turner’s departure leaves a significant void in the team’s defense, and his absence may force the Pacers to reevaluate how they approach the center position.
With two of the team’s cornerstone players out of the picture for the 2025–26 season, the Pacers must navigate a season filled with challenges and questions. The loss of Haliburton and Turner presents an immediate crisis, but it also opens up opportunities for others to step up, both in the short term and long term. The question now is how the Pacers will adapt to this new reality, both in terms of player development and roster construction.
The first area where the Pacers will need to adjust is in the backcourt. Haliburton’s absence means that the team will have to rely on a mix of guards to run the offense. The likely candidates to take on the primary ball-handling duties are Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and even second-year player Chris Duarte. Mathurin, the Pacers’ 2022 lottery pick, showed flashes of his scoring potential last season, but he is still developing as a playmaker. Nembhard, a rookie from Gonzaga, has impressed with his basketball IQ and ability to run an offense, but he is untested as a full-time starter in the NBA. Duarte, another young guard, is more known for his shooting than his playmaking, but he could still see an increase in responsibility.
It will be crucial for the Pacers to develop one or more of these players into a reliable playmaker who can orchestrate the offense in Haliburton’s absence. This is a tough task, as Haliburton’s unique combination of vision, passing, and scoring ability is difficult to replicate. However, this situation also presents a chance for Mathurin, Nembhard, and Duarte to grow and prove they can handle bigger roles. The team’s success will depend heavily on the development of these guards and how quickly they can adjust to a larger, more demanding role.
In addition to the backcourt, the Pacers will also need to find a way to replace Turner’s defensive impact. The team’s defense will almost certainly take a step back without their anchor in the paint, but they will still need to be competitive on that end of the floor. One possible solution is to give more responsibility to Jalen Smith, a young forward who has shown promise as a rim protector and rebounder. Smith, who played a more limited role last season, will likely see an increased role as both a defender and a potential offensive contributor. Another option is to lean on rookie big man Jarace Walker, who the Pacers selected in the 2025 draft. Walker, known for his versatility on defense, has the potential to be a difference-maker on that end of the floor, but like the team’s young guards, he will need time to adjust to the NBA.
The Pacers could also experiment with small-ball lineups, playing more versatile forwards alongside a smaller center or even using their forwards to act as primary rim protectors. While this approach may not fully replace Turner’s shot-blocking ability, it could help mitigate the loss of his presence in the paint. Ultimately, though, the Pacers will need to find ways to be scrappy and committed defensively, especially if they are unable to replace Turner’s shot-blocking and rebounding numbers.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Pacers will need to rely on their young talent to step up in a big way. Mathurin, Nembhard, and Duarte all have the potential to contribute as scorers, but the team will need consistent production from these players to stay competitive. In addition, veteran forwards like Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin will be asked to take on larger roles in both scoring and leadership. Nesmith, a solid shooter, will need to provide spacing and perimeter shooting, while Toppin, known for his athleticism and scoring ability, will need to be more involved offensively, particularly as a secondary playmaker and scorer.
While the Pacers’ roster is still developing, the team’s young core will be critical to their success or failure in 2025–26. This season will serve as an opportunity for the franchise to evaluate its talent and determine which players are capable of stepping up in the absence of Haliburton and Turner. The front office will have to make some tough decisions, but it will also have the chance to see which players have the potential to be part of the team’s future.
Despite the challenges the Pacers face, there is still reason for optimism. The team has one of the youngest and most talented rosters in the league, and while Haliburton and Turner’s departures leave a hole in the lineup, the team is not devoid of talent. The Pacers still have a promising foundation, and if they can develop their young players while staying competitive, they could set themselves up for future success once Haliburton returns from injury and the team has a better sense of how to replace Turner’s defensive presence.
One of the most important aspects of the 2025–26 season for the Pacers will be their ability to adapt. The franchise has a history of rebuilding and retooling, and this season will be no different. While the Pacers’ immediate prospects may look uncertain, they have the potential to surprise if their young players exceed expectations. In the long run, the team may come to view this season as an important stepping stone, one that helped identify which players should be part of the next iteration of the team.
Ultimately, the Pacers’ success this season will depend on how they respond to the adversity they face. While the loss of Haliburton and Turner presents a major obstacle, it also provides an opportunity for growth and development. The front office, coaching staff, and players must remain resilient and committed to the process. If the Pacers can navigate the challenges ahead, they will be better positioned to contend for future success, with a young core of players that could lead the franchise back to relevance in the Eastern Conference.
