The Indiana Pacers were a team no one saw coming last season. After the Tyrese Haliburton-for-Domantas Sabonis trade, most viewed Indiana as the clear winner. However, that victory was thought to be more about future potential than immediate success.
But in just one season, Haliburton transformed the entire Indiana system. A team that had traditionally been defensively oriented was now lighting up the scoreboard like never before.
As a result, they boasted the best offense in NBA history and carried that brilliance into the playoffs, making a Conference Finals appearance. While their run may have felt fluky—helped by injuries to the New York Knicks in the second round—the results speak for themselves.
This offseason, their focus has been on retaining their core players, most of whom have not yet entered their prime. It’s a smart move, ensuring continuity and chemistry, at least in the near future.
With a relatively unchanged roster, what will the 2024-25 season look like for the Indiana Pacers?
Tyrese Haliburton Ascends
Tyrese Haliburton is already one of the league’s best passers. Given the keys to the Pacers’ offense, he was an immediate game-changer, averaging 20 points and 10 assists per game and leading the league with 10.9 assists per contest.
Yet, those numbers don’t fully capture his impact. After a blistering start, Haliburton dealt with lingering injuries, which caused his stats to dip.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers Updates
With better health and the added experience of playing for Team USA in the Olympics, Haliburton is primed for a big year. Expect him to once again lead the league in assists and solidify his place among the NBA’s top five point guards.
Team Regression: The Atlanta Hawks Syndrome
Despite Haliburton’s personal success, the Pacers as a team may struggle. We’ve seen this scenario play out repeatedly in the NBA: a surprising team makes a deep playoff run, only to fall back to Earth the following season.
Just a few years ago, Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks were in the exact same position as Indiana is now.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers Updates
Unfortunately, the Hawks have struggled to recapture that magic, and the Pacers could face a similar fate. As teams become more prepared for their style of play, Indiana may slip toward the bottom of the playoff standings, rather than competing for a high seed.
Trading Myles Turner (Finally)
As the team regresses, someone is bound to take the fall—and that someone could be Myles Turner. For years, Turner seemed destined to be traded, but instead, he became a key part of Indiana’s success.
His ability to shoot and block shots made him an ideal fit in their pace-and-space system, extending his tenure in Indianapolis.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers Updates
However, the Pacers already have Pascal Siakam, who has experience playing center in Toronto. If things aren’t working out by midseason, expect Turner to finally land on the trading block.
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