The Indiana Pacers are coming off a highly successful 2023-24 season, where they made a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite finishing 6th in the East with a 47-35 record, the Pacers knocked off higher-seeded teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks before ultimately getting swept by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Injuries in the playoffs, particularly to Tyrese Haliburton, played a significant role in their exit, but the Pacers proved they can compete with the top teams in the East. With a talented roster and some key additions, the Pacers are looking to build on last season's success and make another deep playoff run.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Tyrese Haliburton
Reserves: TJ McConnell, Kendall Brown, Tristen Newton
Tyrese Haliburton continues to establish himself as one of the premier point guards in the NBA. He had another stellar season, averaging 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 10.9 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.
Haliburton earned his second All-Star selection and was named to the All-NBA Third Team for the first time, cementing his place as the Pacers' franchise cornerstone. His ability to orchestrate the offense and elevate his teammates is crucial to Indiana's success, and he will be looking to build on last season and take the Pacers even further in the playoffs.
TJ McConnell remains one of the best backup point guards in the league. Known for his hustle, tenacity, and basketball IQ, McConnell is a perfect complement to Haliburton, providing steady leadership off the bench. Kendall Brown and Tristen Newton will add further depth to the point guard rotation, with both players looking to develop and contribute when called upon.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Andrew Nembhard
Reserves: Ben Sheppard, Johnny Furphy, Quenton Jackson
Andrew Nembhard had a solid sophomore season, averaging 9.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 49.8% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. Nembhard stepped up in the playoffs, especially when Haliburton was sidelined, showcasing his ability to contribute in big moments. His defensive versatility and playmaking make him a valuable starter in the Pacers' backcourt.
Ben Sheppard, a sharpshooting rookie, will provide floor spacing and scoring off the bench, while Johnny Furphy and Quenton Jackson round out the shooting guard rotation, offering additional depth and youth.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Aaron Nesmith
Reserves: Bennedict Mathurin, James Johnson, Cole Swider
Aaron Nesmith had a breakout season for the Pacers, averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 49.6% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range. Nesmith’s ability to knock down shots and defend on the perimeter made him a key piece in Indiana's run to the Eastern Conference Finals. With his shooting and defensive versatility, Nesmith will continue to play a crucial role in the Pacers' success.
Bennedict Mathurin, one of the most promising young players on the Pacers roster, will continue to be a key part of the rotation. Mathurin’s athleticism, scoring ability, and potential make him a valuable sixth man who can provide instant offense off the bench. James Johnson and Cole Swider add veteran presence and shooting depth at the small forward position.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Pascal Siakam
Reserves: Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, Enrique Freeman
The Pacers made a big move by acquiring Pascal Siakam last season, and he didn’t disappoint. Siakam averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 54.9% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. His two-way ability and championship experience provided the Pacers with a major boost on both ends of the floor. After signing a four-year contract extension, Siakam is locked in as one of the Pacers’ key players, and the team will look to build around him and Haliburton for years to come.
Backing up Siakam is Obi Toppin, a high-flying forward known for his athleticism and ability to finish around the rim. Jarace Walker, the 2023 lottery pick, continues to develop as a versatile defender and scorer, while Enrique Freeman provides additional depth in the frontcourt.
Center (C)
Starter: Myles Turner
Reserves: Isaiah Jackson, James Wiseman, Jahlil Okafor
Myles Turner had another strong season for the Pacers, averaging 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 52.4% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc. Turner’s ability to protect the rim and space the floor makes him one of the most valuable centers in the league, and his presence in the paint is a key reason why the Pacers had a top-10 defense last season.
Behind Turner, Isaiah Jackson continues to develop as a young big man with shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. James Wiseman, a former No. 2 overall pick, is looking for a fresh start in Indiana after struggling with injuries and inconsistency early in his career. Jahlil Okafor rounds out the center rotation, providing additional size and experience.
The Indiana Pacers enter the 2024-25 season with high hopes following their unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals. With a core of Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner, and a strong supporting cast that includes rising stars like Aaron Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin, the Pacers are well-positioned to make another deep playoff run.
Rick Carlisle, a championship-winning coach, will be eager to lead this talented team back to the postseason, where they will aim to improve on last year’s success. Health will be a key factor for the Pacers, particularly for Haliburton, who missed crucial games during the playoffs. If the team can stay healthy and continue developing its young talent, Indiana could emerge as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
Related: Indiana Pacers Current Starting Lineup And Bench: Trying To Prove 2024 ECF Run Wasn't A Fluke
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