The Indiana Pacers will have to run it back without their emotional leader.
An Achilles tear is expected to keep Tyrese Haliburton out all of next season, Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard confirmed to the media on Monday.
The six-foot-five guard captivated fans when he hit a game-winner in every round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, including a 22-foot jump shot with 0.3 seconds remaining, in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Although the Pacers have all-star Pascal Siakam to shoulder the offensive load, they will miss Haliburton’s offensive versatility and shot creation. Haliburton averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists while shooting 47.3 per cent.
Haliburton, 25, was one of three players to suffer Achilles injuries in the post-season. The Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and free agent Damian Lillard are expected to miss similar time.
Looking to the future, the Pacers reacquired their 2026 first-round pick in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans on June 17. The pick was originally sent to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Siakam in 2024.
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