Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Several Eastern Conference teams took major steps forward this summer, adding more talent and depth to their star-studded rosters. As it stands, the Indiana Pacers have become somewhat of an afterthought in title conversations, but internal confidence is growing that they can pick up where they left off in 2025, when they made the NBA Finals.
The key to their success rests in the health of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who missed the entirety of last season due to a torn Achilles tendon. It’s been over a year since the initial injury now, and the latest intel suggests that Haliburton is on pace to reclaim his spot as one of the best young players in the league.
“Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles injury, and the word surrounding the Indiana Pacers is that he looks better than ever,” wrote Brett Siegel. “With Haliburton back on the court alongside practically the same team that made it to the 2025 NBA Finals, plus the additions of Ivica Zubac and Kelly Oubre Jr., there is a lot to like about the Pacers.”
The road to recovery has not been easy for Hali, and it has tested him in ways he never expected. Still, he was more than willing to put in the work, and he expects it will pay off on opening night this October. The only catch is that it could take some time before the Pacers really get into a rhythm. According to one report, the franchise is bracing for a potential slow start.
“Indiana may take it slow with their superstar to start the season with the hope that come playoff time, the Pacers will be in position to shock the league again,” reported ESPN’s Jamal Collier.
The Pacers were only just one win away from winning the championship when all their hope got ripped out from under them. Without their star point guard, they had no chance to compete, which is why they spent the 2025-26 season in NBA purgatory. But as he worked toward a return, the Pacers made some moves behind the scenes to set up their future success. They signed Kelly Oubre Jr. in free agency, who brings key shot-making on the perimeter. Most notably, the Pacers also traded for veteran big man Ivica Zubac from the Clippers, who will provide a crucial presence in the paint.
Between those additions and the more long-tenured players like Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith, the Pacers have a path to contention in the East that could put them right back in the Finals. While it could take some time for things to click, the Pacers are willing to be patient if it means a chance to make another playoff run.
For his part, Haliburton has yet to take the NBA court since his injury last year, but there’s no question that he’s ready to remind the world what he can do. With career averages of 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on 47.7% shooting, he’s one of the best guards in the game when healthy, and he’ll have a chance to prove it once again this upcoming season.