The Indiana Pacers are sending a clear message to the NBA: theyโre no longer satisfied with being a mid-tier playoff teamโtheyโre coming for the top.
Following a string of bold offseason moves and an increasingly impressive performance from their young core, the Pacers are drawing national attention as one of the leagueโs most intriguing and potentially dangerous breakout contenders heading into the 2025โ26 season.
Front Office Flexes Muscle
Team President Kevin Pritchard and General Manager Chad Buchanan wasted no time retooling the roster after a disappointing second-round playoff exit last season. In a series of aggressive offseason moves, the Pacers:
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Acquired All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster trade, adding a versatile scorer and playmaker to the wing.
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Signed veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon to return to Indiana on a team-friendly deal, bolstering leadership and depth in the backcourt.
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Drafted high-upside forward Jaylen Carter with the 10th overall pick, a move already generating buzz in Summer League.
These moves complement an already dynamic young roster that includes All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton, rising star Bennedict Mathurin, and the fast-developing big man Jarace Walker.
Tyrese Haliburtonโs Ascendancy
At the center of Indianaโs resurgence is Tyrese Haliburton, who continues to evolve into one of the leagueโs elite point guards. After averaging 21.8 points and 11.2 assists per game last season and leading the league in total assists, Haliburton enters the new season with heightened expectationsโand an upgraded supporting cast to match.
Haliburton recently told reporters at Pacers training camp:
โThis is the most complete team weโve had since I got here. Weโre deeper, more experienced, and hungry. Weโre not just trying to competeโweโre trying to win.โ
Young Core Turning Heads
Second-year forward Jarace Walker has made a massive leap during the offseason, impressing coaches with improved shooting range, defensive awareness, and physical presence. Meanwhile, Bennedict Mathurin has continued to sharpen his scoring instincts and has reportedly taken on a more vocal leadership role.
Veteran additions like Ingram and Brogdon are expected to mentor these younger stars while also providing clutch shot-making and playoff experience.
The Rick Carlisle Factor
Veteran head coach Rick Carlisle remains at the helm, bringing stability and a championship pedigree. Known for maximizing the strengths of creative guards and developing young talent, Carlisleโs presence is a major factor in Indiana’s belief that this is the year to rise above mediocrity.
โWeโre not skipping steps,โ Carlisle said. โBut weโre not hiding from expectations, either.โ
Expectations Are Rising
Analysts across the league are starting to take notice. ESPNโs Brian Windhorst recently listed the Pacers as his โdark horseโ pick to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, while The Ringerโs latest power rankings placed Indiana in the top 8โits highest placement in over a decade.
With a dynamic mix of youth, star power, and newfound depth, the Pacers are shaping up to be a team that could shake up the power structure in the East.
Final Word
For a franchise that hasnโt made it past the first round in over a decade, the energy in Indianapolis feels different. The front office made the moves. The players are buying in. And the fans are ready.
The Indiana Pacers aren’t just rebuilding anymoreโtheyโre coming to win.
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