As the NBA preseason winds down and anticipation for the 2025-26 regular season mounts, the Indiana Pacers find themselves at a crossroads—reshaping their roster, nurturing emerging talent, and facing challenges both old and new. The past week has been a whirlwind for the Pacers organization, with roster moves, injury setbacks, and a glimpse of promise from young stars. All eyes are on how Indiana will navigate this pivotal moment, especially after a tough NBA Finals loss and the devastating injury to their franchise cornerstone, Tyrese Haliburton.
On October 18, 2025, the Pacers announced a significant roster shakeup, waiving forwards Gabe McGlothan and Jalen Slawson. In a swift follow-up, the team signed guard Kyle Guy and forward Ray Spalding to Exhibit 10 contracts, assigning them to the Noblesville Boom. These moves, while not headline-grabbing on their own, signal Indiana's intent to keep its developmental pipeline fresh and competitive. Exhibit 10 contracts, often used to bring in players for training camp and G-League assignments, offer both Guy and Spalding a chance to prove themselves and potentially earn a more permanent spot with the Pacers down the line.
But roster moves are only a small part of the Pacers' current story. The shadow of last season’s heartbreak still looms large. Indiana came agonizingly close to an NBA title, falling 4-3 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a dramatic Finals series. The sting of that defeat was compounded by the loss of Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a devastating Achilles injury expected to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 campaign. Haliburton’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the Pacers’ lineup, forcing the team to look elsewhere for leadership and offensive firepower as they try to mount another playoff push.
Enter Johnny Furphy, the 20-year-old Australian shooting guard who has quickly become one of the most talked-about young players in Indiana. Drafted 35th overall out of Kansas in 2024, Furphy’s rookie season was modest—he averaged just 7.6 minutes and 2.1 points per game. But this offseason, Furphy made headlines for all the right reasons. He reportedly gained 20 pounds of muscle, transforming his frame and his game. NBA.com reported, “Furphy impressed in Summer League play across three games. He said he gained 20 pounds of muscle, and it showed in those exhibitions with an improved inside game.”
Fans and analysts alike took notice when Furphy was spotted during a preseason game on October 18, 2025. His bulging biceps and newfound physicality were on full display, a stark contrast to his wiry rookie-year appearance. The Pacers’ social media team summed it up with a viral post: “Johnny Furphy just detonated on this poster.” That brutal dunk sent shockwaves through the basketball world, with many calling for Furphy to be added to the NBA Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend. His teammates were just as excited, celebrating from the sidelines as the 6-foot-9 guard made his presence felt.
Furphy’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time for Indiana. With Haliburton out, the Pacers are in desperate need of new offensive threats and energetic playmakers. The 20-year-old’s increased size and improved inside game suggest he could be ready for a much larger role this season. The Pacers are banking on Furphy becoming a key contributor as they look to return to the Finals and finish what they started last year.
While the Pacers are busy retooling, their preseason performance has been under the microscope—especially after a lopsided defeat at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on October 17, 2025. The Spurs, led by the ever-improving Victor Wembanyama, routed Indiana 133-104 to close out their own undefeated preseason. Wembanyama dazzled with a stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks, making 7 of 9 shots and sinking his only three-pointer. His footwork, honed in the offseason with NBA legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett, was on full display. As Hoop Central noted, Wembanyama’s plus-minus was +11 in just 24 minutes—a testament to his growing impact and the steep challenge he presents to opponents.
The Spurs’ mix of young talent and veteran leadership—bolstered by players like Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox—has them poised for a resurgence. Last season’s influence from Chris Paul, though he’s no longer with the team, is still felt as the Spurs look to translate preseason success into regular-season wins. For the Pacers, the game was a sobering reminder of the work ahead, especially with a retooled roster and the loss of their star point guard.
Indiana’s tradition of gritty, physical basketball is never far from the conversation. Flashbacks to epic battles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s still resonate with fans. In December 1996, the Bulls narrowly escaped the Pacers 81-79 in a bruising contest. Dennis Rodman, the Bulls’ relentless rebounder, pulled down 21 boards—11 on the offensive glass—and scored 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting. Reflecting on the game, Rodman told the Chicago Tribune, “Eleven offensive rebounds is OK, but I wish I could get 20 points sometime.” The Pacers, led by Dale Davis, Antonio Davis, and Rik Smits, were known for their physicality—a trait that still defines Indiana’s basketball identity today.
Rodman also acknowledged the Bulls’ resilience in overcoming injuries to key players like Luc Longley, Toni Kukoc, and Scottie Pippen to secure that hard-fought win. “These kinds of games are tough,” Rodman said. “We don’t have the manpower against physical guys. But that’s where experience comes in. We’re sending a message around the league like last year. I was hurt; Luc was hurt, Toni and Scottie were hurt. But we pulled together and won.”
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Pacers are once again facing adversity head-on. The loss of Haliburton, the need for new leaders to emerge, and the pressure to build on last year’s Finals run all weigh heavily on the franchise. Yet with the rise of Johnny Furphy, smart roster moves, and a deep-rooted culture of toughness, Indiana’s outlook remains hopeful. The road ahead won’t be easy, but if the preseason is any indication, the Pacers are ready to fight for every inch—just as they always have.
