The Indiana Pacers are gearing up for a season unlike any they’ve faced in recent memory. With the devastating news that Tyrese Haliburton, their All-NBA point guard and on-court leader, will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season due to a torn Achilles tendon, the organization finds itself at a crossroads. Haliburton’s absence isn’t just a blow to the Pacers’ playoff ambitions—it’s a seismic shift that will force the team to rethink its identity, its rotations, and even its expectations for the year ahead.
Haliburton’s injury, sustained during the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, left fans and teammates in shock. The Pacers, who had ridden Haliburton’s electric playmaking all the way to the championship series, suddenly found themselves without their engine. As if that weren’t enough, the team also parted ways with longtime center Myles Turner, who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason. The result? A roster in flux, with more questions than answers as training camp approaches.
Stepping into the breach is Andrew Nembhard, a young guard who’s shown flashes of brilliance but now faces the daunting task of becoming the Pacers’ full-time point guard. There’s no sugarcoating it—Nembhard is expected to experience some growing pains. The NBA is unforgiving, and assuming the mantle from a player of Haliburton’s caliber is no small feat. Yet, the Pacers’ coaching staff is determined to give him every opportunity to develop, even if that means weathering a few storms along the way.
“Andrew’s got all the tools,” said a team insider. “But there’s a world of difference between being a backup and running the show night in and night out. We’ll support him, but it’s going to be a learning curve.”
Fortunately for Indiana, there’s a steady hand waiting in the wings: T.J. McConnell. The veteran guard, beloved by fans for his relentless energy and leadership, remains the team’s primary backup point guard. But make no mistake—McConnell’s role is about to become more crucial than ever. With the Pacers’ point guard depth severely tested, McConnell will be called upon not just to spell Nembhard, but to serve as a stabilizing force both on and off the floor.
“T.J. is the kind of guy you can always count on,” another source close to the team remarked. “He’s been through it all, and he’s never backed down from a challenge. With so much uncertainty, having someone like McConnell in the locker room is huge.”
The Pacers’ depth chart at point guard, already thin, now teeters on the edge. Beyond Nembhard and McConnell, the team is weighing its options for a third guard to round out the rotation. Names like Kam Jones, RayJ Dennis, and Quenton Jackson have surfaced, but none is a proven commodity at the NBA level. The front office is expected to keep a close eye on training camp battles, with the hope that one of these young players can seize the moment and provide valuable minutes.
Haliburton’s presence, even from the sidelines, will still loom large. The star guard was recently spotted supporting the Indiana Fever in their matchup against the Atlanta Dream at College Park, a moment captured and shared on social media by his fiancée, Jade Jones. Her Instagram story, which read, “Usually, I’m the loudest in this section,” showcased Haliburton’s enthusiasm for his fellow Indiana athletes and his commitment to the local sports community—even while sidelined.
Off the court, Haliburton has found solace and camaraderie in his friendship with Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark. Both athletes have been forced into extended absences due to injury—Haliburton with his Achilles and Clark with a groin issue during the 2025 WNBA season. In a candid interview with WISH-TV News, Haliburton opened up about the unique bond they’ve formed during their respective recoveries.
“It’s been important just to have someone to lean on and talk to. I think we’ve grown the relationship so much that we can talk about more than just basketball. Obviously, we connect a lot through basketball; we get guarded the same sometimes, our defensive issues are similar, and everything is really similar between us,” Haliburton said. “It sucks that she’s been hurt as long as she has. Just for us to be able to communicate, even in our recovery we lift at the same time, so it’s just us two in the weight room. We spend a lot of time together. I guess it’s a good thing, but I wish that she was playing. I think it’s just good to have each other to lean on at a time like right now.”
The mutual support between Haliburton and Clark has become a heartwarming subplot for Indiana sports fans, who have watched both stars cheer each other on from the stands over the years. Their friendship is a testament to the tight-knit nature of the Indiana basketball community and a reminder that even during tough times, athletes can find strength in solidarity.
As the Pacers prepare for what promises to be a challenging and experimental 2025-26 campaign, expectations are being recalibrated. With Haliburton out and Turner gone, the team’s focus will shift toward development, experimentation, and finding new combinations that might pay dividends when their star guard returns—hopefully in time for the 2026-27 season. The Eastern Conference is as competitive as ever, and while Indiana is determined to remain in the mix, the odds are undeniably steeper.
Fans can expect to see a lot of tinkering with lineups, as coaches search for the right blend of youth and experience. The absence of a true secondary ball-handler behind Nembhard is a glaring issue, and unless one of the young hopefuls steps up, McConnell’s minutes could climb significantly. The Pacers’ front office may also explore trade or free agent options as the season unfolds, especially if injuries or inconsistency rear their heads.
Despite the uncertainty, there’s a sense of cautious optimism in Indianapolis. Adversity has a way of revealing character, and the Pacers’ locker room is filled with players eager to prove themselves. For Nembhard, it’s a golden opportunity to accelerate his growth. For McConnell, it’s another chance to cement his legacy as a consummate pro. And for the fans, it’s a season to rally around their team, come what may.
As the opening tip of the 2025-26 season approaches, one thing is clear: the Indiana Pacers are entering uncharted territory, but they’re doing it together. With Haliburton cheering from the sidelines and a new generation ready to step up, the journey ahead promises to be anything but dull.
