The Indiana Pacers approach the 2025-26 NBA season facing a major challenge as their standout All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton remains sidelined indefinitely following a torn Achilles sustained in the finals. Despite this setback, the team’s front office holds an optimistic view about the squad’s chances, emphasizing the depth within their guard rotation even without Haliburton.

Pacers Scout Highlights Strength of Guard Rotation Led by Nembhard

A scout from Indiana praised the group of Andrew Nembhard, TJ McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, and Kam Jones, considering them the deepest and most competitive guard unit in the NBA in Haliburton’s absence. Nembhard is expected to take on the offensive leadership role, while McConnell offers seasoned experience and energy. Meanwhile, Mathurin will be leaned on for scoring to compensate for Myles Turner‘s departure, and Kam Jones aims to contribute reliable shooting after impressing during summer league play.

Yeah, we’ll see how that goes, unfortunately. Wish it wasn’t the case, but it is. That’s life in the NBA,

one Pacers scout shared.

But we have really, really good guards. We think we have the best guard group in the entire NBA. Tyrese is the best point guard in the NBA, but Andrew (Nembhard), TJ (McConnell), Benn (Bennedict Mathurin), and Kam (Jones) are pretty good. They’ll make it work.

—Pacers Scout

Team Views This Season as an Opportunity Amid Eastern Conference Changes

Rather than seeing the coming season as a setback following injuries and roster changes, the Pacers view it as a chance to demonstrate their depth and resilience. The Eastern Conference is more open with several teams retooling, and Indiana believes their backcourt can keep them competitive and in playoff contention.

Leadership and Determination from TJ McConnell Define Pacers’ Outlook

Despite the disappointment from a narrow loss in Game 7 of the finals and the loss of key players, including Haliburton and Turner, the Pacers refuse to concede defeat. Veteran guard TJ McConnell vocalized the team’s mindset, addressing doubters with resolve. He said,

I know they’re thinking the Pacers are done… Lost Game 7 in the most brutal way possible … lost their franchise player for next season … lost their center in free agency. You’d think people would learn by now, but: We’re not done…

He added,

replacing Myles would be tough. Playing without Tyrese will be … whatever is tougher than tough… we will work like hell to feel it again soon.

—TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers Point Guard

McConnell’s statements underline a determined leadership as the team prepares to challenge expectations in the 2025-26 campaign.

What Lies Ahead for Indiana’s Guard Depth and Team Prospects

With Haliburton sidelined and Turner no longer with the team, the Pacers’ success will hinge on the collective efforts of their guard core, led by Nembhard and fueled by Mathurin and Jones. The team aims to leverage its depth and grit to stay relevant in a fractured Eastern Conference landscape. Their ability to remain competitive will test their adaptability and resilience.

This season will not only measure the skill of the players stepping up but also the management’s confidence in a young, dynamic backcourt. If the scouts and players’ optimism proves accurate, the Pacers could quietly position themselves as dark horses despite losing key contributors from the previous year.