The Indiana Pacers have officially entered a new chapter, finalizing their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season and stepping onto the hardwood with more questions than answers at the center position. With longtime anchor Myles Turner absent for the first time in a decade, the team faces a crossroads that could define their season. Opening night has already exposed the depth of their challenges, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering how Indiana will adapt in the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference.
By 5 p.m. ET on Monday, October 20, 2025, all NBA teams were required to submit their opening night rosters. The Pacers, in a flurry of last-minute decisions, locked in 13 players under fully guaranteed contracts. James Wiseman secured a partially guaranteed deal, while Tony Bradley remained on a non-guaranteed contract. This configuration left Indiana with four centers, but the stability of that group is anything but certain.
The absence of Myles Turner looms large for the Pacers. For ten straight years, Turner was the backbone of Indiana’s defense, a shot-blocking force and reliable presence in the paint. Now, for the first time since 2015, the Pacers must find a new identity in the middle. The pressure is on, and the early results have not been kind.
During the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24, 2025, no Pacers center managed to meet expectations. The team’s vulnerabilities were laid bare as they struggled to control the paint and maintain discipline. Isaiah Jackson, once seen as a promising young big man, saw his most glaring weakness resurface at the worst possible moment. In just eight minutes of play, Jackson picked up four fouls—a stat line that underscores the Pacers’ urgent need for improvement at the position.
“The center situation was known to have issues before the season started,” noted one analyst, and Indiana’s first outing did little to dispel those concerns. Both James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson are still recovering from Achilles injuries, limiting their effectiveness and raising concerns about their durability as the season grinds on. With depth at center in short supply, the Pacers might have to get creative with their lineups.
One potential solution? A small-ball strategy featuring Obi Toppin at center. Toppin, traditionally a forward, brings athleticism and versatility, but asking him to anchor the defense against some of the league’s elite big men is a tall order. Still, desperate times call for bold moves, and Coach Rick Carlisle isn’t ruling anything out.
Roster adjustments have already begun. In a move that surprised some fans, the Pacers waived Cam Payne just ten days after signing him. Coach Carlisle was candid about the decision, stating it “just didn’t work out.” Such transactions are hardly unusual during the preseason, as teams experiment with different combinations and seek the right chemistry. But the quick turnaround is a reminder of how fluid NBA rosters can be, especially for a team in transition.
James Wiseman’s partially guaranteed contract and Tony Bradley’s non-guaranteed deal reflect the uncertainty at the bottom of the roster. With only 13 guaranteed contracts, the Pacers have some flexibility to make additional moves if needed. But for now, the focus is on maximizing the talent they have and hoping that their big men can stay healthy—and out of foul trouble.
The Pacers’ struggles at center are hardly a secret. Even before Turner’s departure, the team’s frontcourt depth was a topic of concern. Now, with both Wiseman and Jackson hampered by injuries, the pressure is on the coaching staff to find solutions quickly. The early returns suggest there’s a steep learning curve ahead. During the loss to the Thunder, Indiana’s inability to protect the rim and rebound effectively was glaring. The Thunder attacked the paint with confidence, exploiting mismatches and drawing fouls at will. Jackson’s four fouls in eight minutes all but eliminated him as a factor, forcing the Pacers to scramble for answers.
As the season unfolds, the Pacers will need to focus on two key areas: improving center production and minimizing fouls. These are easier said than done, especially with a thin and inexperienced rotation. The coaching staff may look to stagger minutes, experiment with unconventional lineups, and rely on team defense to compensate for their shortcomings in the middle.
“We know what we need to work on,” said a team spokesperson. “It’s about staying disciplined and making the most of our opportunities.” The players, too, understand the stakes. For Isaiah Jackson, the challenge is clear: stay on the court and contribute without picking up unnecessary fouls. For Wiseman, it’s about regaining form and proving he can be a reliable contributor after his Achilles setback. And for Toppin, it’s a chance to showcase his versatility and perhaps redefine his role within the team.
Looking back, Myles Turner’s consistency and durability were often taken for granted. His departure has left a void that won’t be filled overnight. But it’s also an opportunity for the next generation of Pacers big men to step up and make their mark. The front office is watching closely, ready to make adjustments if the current group can’t rise to the occasion.
There’s also a sense of urgency surrounding the Pacers’ early-season performance. The Eastern Conference is as competitive as ever, and a slow start could put Indiana in a difficult position. Every game matters, and every decision—from rotations to roster moves—will be scrutinized as the team seeks to find its footing.
Despite the challenges, there’s no shortage of optimism within the organization. The Pacers have a history of resilience, and their young core is eager to prove itself. The next few weeks will be critical as the team navigates the bumps and bruises of a new era. Will Wiseman and Jackson recover in time to make a meaningful impact? Can Toppin hold his own against the league’s best centers? And will the front office pull the trigger on another move if the current plan falters?
For now, the Pacers are keeping all options on the table. The season is young, and while the opening night loss stung, it also provided valuable lessons. The coaching staff is already hard at work, reviewing film and tweaking strategies in search of the right formula.
As the league approaches its opening stretch, one thing is clear: the Indiana Pacers’ center saga is just beginning. With roster spots still in flux and key players working their way back to full health, the story of Indiana’s 2025-26 season is far from written. Fans will be watching closely, hoping that the team can turn adversity into opportunity and carve out a new identity in the post-Turner era.
