Just when it appeared like the NBA’s biggest underdogs had a legitimate chance of winning the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers suffered an injury to their star player. While they did as best as they could, Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles tear was too much of a road bump to speed past.
Haliburton’s injury undoubtedly impacted the Pacers’ ability to compete in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but since his injury happened literally on the last day of the basketball season, some are wondering about the star point guard’s availability for next year.
However, on Monday, Pacers team president Kevin Pritchard left no doubts when addressing Haliburton’s playing status for next season.
Unfortunately, Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season, meaning the soonest Pacers fans will see him back on the court will be when the 2027 season tips off.
“I have no doubt that he will be back better than ever… He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now.”
Pacers president on Tyrese Haliburton
#Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard confirmed Tyrese Haliburton is out for the 2025-26 season.
"I have no doubt that he will be back better than ever… He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now." pic.twitter.com/OiSy327pgw
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) July 7, 2025
Without Haliburton’s help on the floor, there’s no telling how good or bad the Pacers will do. Yet, their expectations will certainly be drastically lower than if they did have the All-NBA point guard’s help.
It also doesn’t help that the Pacers lost top free agent Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks after he landed a four-year contract worth over $100 million. Either way, the Pacers will have to rely on at least two new starters next season.
Related: Minnesota Timberwolves impacted Myles Turner’s decision to leave Indiana Pacers for Milwaukee Bucks
Sports fan since birth. I am also passionate about cars, music, and anything funny. Minnesotan, born and raised. Maybe ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ