The Indiana Pacers were dealt a crushing blow when it was announced that their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, would miss the entire
2023-2024 season due to injury. For a team that was primed for a breakout year, Haliburton’s loss is significant—he was the engine behind the offense, an elite passer, and a key defensive asset. Losing a player of his caliber is never easy, but it doesn’t mean the Pacers’ playoff hopes are dashed.
Despite Haliburton’s absence, the Pacers still have a roster capable of making a deep playoff run. In fact, with the right development from their young backcourt, Indiana could still be a legitimate contender in the East. A trip to the Eastern Conference Finals may be on the horizon, and a 50+ win season is far from out of the question.
The Rise of Mathurin and Nembhard
While Haliburton’s playmaking and leadership will be missed, the Pacers are fortunate to have a pair of talented young guards ready to step into larger roles: Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard.
Bennedict Mathurin, the explosive 2022 lottery pick, has shown he’s more than capable of handling an increased workload. A natural scorer, Mathurin has the athleticism to be a primary offensive weapon, capable of getting to the basket, hitting from deep, and finishing in transition. His biggest area of growth, however, has been his defense, where he’s starting to show more consistency. With the ball in his hands more, Mathurin will need to take on a bigger playmaking responsibility, but his potential as a two-way player is undeniable.
Andrew Nembhard, the 2022 second-round pick, has impressed everyone with his composure and IQ. He’s already proven himself to be an excellent facilitator, and without Haliburton, he may take over as the team’s primary ball handler. Nembhard isn’t just a game manager—he’s a scrappy defender who can score in a pinch. His ability to run the offense and make timely decisions will be crucial in holding things together while Haliburton recovers.
Together, Mathurin and Nembhard could emerge as one of the top backcourts in the league. Their complementary skills will allow the Pacers to remain dynamic offensively while still maintaining a solid defensive foundation.
The Key to Success: Team Play and Depth
While Mathurin and Nembhard’s development will be pivotal, the Pacers will need contributions from other areas as well. The team has a solid supporting cast, including Myles Turner, who continues to be one of the NBA’s most underrated big men. Turner provides rim protection, rebounding, and spacing on offense—key elements that can still elevate this team without Haliburton’s orchestration.
Additionally, players like Jalen Smith, Aaron Nesmith, and Buddy Hield will all have to play bigger roles. Smith, in particular, has shown glimpses of being a versatile forward capable of defending multiple positions and stretching the floor. Nesmith, with his defensive tenacity and occasional scoring outbursts, could be a valuable asset in the backcourt rotation. Hield, the elite shooter, will likely be asked to provide much-needed floor spacing in Haliburton’s absence.
The Pacers’ depth will help cover for the loss of their star point guard, but they’ll need to be cohesive and play team-oriented basketball. Coach Rick Carlisle’s system has always emphasized unselfishness and ball movement, which is something that can still thrive even without the playmaking genius of Haliburton.
Can the Pacers Survive the East?
The East is as competitive as ever, with juggernauts like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers all vying for top spots. However, there’s an opportunity for a team like the Pacers to make a surprise run. Indiana has the pieces to stay in the playoff race, and if Mathurin and Nembhard take the next step, the team could be positioned to upset some of the East’s elite.
While Haliburton is undoubtedly one of the top young talents in the league, the Pacers have enough talent to keep the wheels turning. Their style of play, commitment to defense, and young core’s development could propel them to an unexpected 50-win season, which would position them well for a playoff berth and a chance at a deep run.
Conclusion: A Season of Opportunity
Though the loss of Tyrese Haliburton for the season is a significant blow to the Pacers, it isn’t a death knell for their championship aspirations. The young backcourt duo of Mathurin and Nembhard could thrive in larger roles, and with key veterans like Myles Turner and Buddy Hield leading the charge, this team still has the potential to make waves in the Eastern Conference. With 50 wins in sight, the Pacers could very well find themselves making a deep postseason push, with their eyes set on a surprising trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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