The Indiana Pacers marched to the NBA Finals, but after a catastrophic injury and heartbreaking loss to Tyrees Halliburton, the Pacers have a long way to go.
Since joining the NBA in 1976, the Indiana Pacers have played two finals, but are lacking in both appearances.
In 2000, the Pacers were defeated by Shaq and Kobe Lakers. In 2025, they ran into the historically dominant Oklahoma City Thunder team, which went into seven games after losing in the last possible contest, 103-91.
In the first quarter of Game 7, Tyrese Halliburton appeared to be suffering from a torn Achilles. With Indiana not having their first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the retool process to return to the final will be difficult to say the least.
However, due to the familiar movement and weak competition at the Eastern Conference, the Pacers were able to make a lot of noise next season. Here are three moves they have to make.
This offseason, 10-year Pacers veteran Miles Turner will become an unlimited free agent. For several seasons he has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and other candidates, but only Indiana basketball is known.
Turner averaged 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds in the regular season, but only 10.6 points and 4.4 rebounds were listed in the finals. Still, he is an integral part of the Pacers’ success and culture.
Despite his interest around the league, Turner is expected to return to Indiana. Outside Turner, James Johnson and Thomas Bryant were only unlimited free agents, neither of which played a major role in the regular season or playoffs.
If Indiana can’t keep Turner and They lose Halliburton during the season, but it’s safe to say they’ll take a step back without a first round draft pick.
Since 2005, the Pacers have been able to avoid luxury tax. With Turner back, it’s only natural that he’ll snap a 20-year, modest winning streak.
When Haliburton comes out, the Pacers will have to bring in some additional scoring. Andrew Nembhard certainly can carry a larger playmaking load, and TJ McConnell gives backcourt depth, so there’s no need to add point guards.
Owner Herb Simon has been leading the Pacers since 1983 and has only been closer to winding up the title twice before. Simon is 90 years old, so his clock is ticking, and he certainly has the incentive to go through the moment.
Simon halted the recruitment of a gorgeous tax roster in 2005 after it became clear that the roster was talented but not elite enough to fight for the title.
After running through the Eastern Conference Table this season, the Pacers can run it back on the same roster and hope that Halliburton will return before the playoffs, but Simon will have to go deep into his pocket.
The Pacers were injured in their first 10 games this season. The second and third string centers, Isaiah Jackson and James Weisseman, both tore Achilles early in the year, leaving Turner as the only true center.
Indiana later traded for Bryant and signed a 10-day deal with Moses Brown, Jalil Okafor and Tony Bradley, who took Bradley into the postseason.
Bradley has a $2.9 million team option next season, with Jackson and Bryant both being free agents. Bradley has proven capable, but he may not be worth nearly 3 million, especially if the team is above the salary cap.
Brooke Lopez, Clint Capella, Andre Drummond and Kevon Rooney are all free agents who should be able to back up Turner at an affordable price.
No matter who the Pacers sign, getting into the season with Turner as the only true center on the roster isn’t a recipe for success, and strengthening the depth of the frontcourt should be prioritized this summer for the Eastern Conference Champions.