Indiana Pacers Season Preview
Re-signed: Quenton Jackson, James Johnson, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin
Addition: James Wiseman (free agent)
Draft Picks: Johnny Furphy (No. 35), Tristen Newton (No. 49), Enrique Freeman (No. 50)
Departures: Jalen Smith (to Bulls)
Unsigned Free Agents: Doug McDermott, Oscar Tshiebwe, Isaiah Wong
Last Season Recap
The 2023-24 Indiana Pacers had a strong campaign, finishing with 47 wins and making an unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Although they lost in the In-Season Tournament final to the Los Angeles Lakers, they outperformed the Lakers in the playoffs, advancing further and establishing themselves as a legitimate contender.
Tyrese Haliburton emerged as the face of the franchise, continuing the tradition of Pacers stars like Reggie Miller and Paul George. Haliburton led the NBA in assists and earned All-NBA honors, cementing his place among the league’s elite. The Pacers’ midseason trade for Pascal Siakam added another All-Star-level player to their roster, and they boasted the league’s top-rated offense, which propelled them deep into May, including a thrilling Game 7 victory over the New York Knicks.
Summer Summary
It was a relatively quiet summer for the Pacers, who prioritized maintaining their core rather than making sweeping changes. The main focus was retaining Pascal Siakam, whom they acquired in a midseason trade. The Pacers signed Siakam to a hefty $189 million extension, a move that secured their All-NBA forward and kept their offense potent.
Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin were also re-signed after showing significant development last season, and the Pacers added James Wiseman in free agency to shore up their frontcourt depth.
Player Spotlight: Bennedict Mathurin
The 2024-25 season will be pivotal for Bennedict Mathurin, who underwent season-ending surgery in March to repair a torn labrum. Mathurin, the former No. 6 pick, averaged 16.7 points per game as a rookie but took a step back last season with 14.5 points per game off the bench. With Indiana’s growing depth at his position, this season will be key for him to reestablish himself as a key contributor and earn a contract extension in the near future.
Season Outlook
After a breakout season, the Pacers are poised to make another deep run in the playoffs. With Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and a solid supporting cast led by T.J. McConnell, Indiana has one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. They are a dark-horse contender in the East, capable of winning 50 games and securing a top-five seed.
However, their defense remains a concern. To make a serious push toward the NBA Finals, the Pacers will need to improve on that end of the floor, possibly through an in-season trade to bolster their perimeter defense or add another interior presence. If they address these issues, Indiana could become an even more dangerous playoff team.
