Sometimes, an offseason doesn’t go according to plan. For the Indiana Pacers, this summer has been more about adjusting than upgrading. The 2024–25 campaign ended with promise but also questions, particularly about the roster’s ceiling without Tyrese Haliburton on the floor. The unexpected departure of a cornerstone big man, however, has left a glaring hole in the starting lineup. This has forced Indiana to rethink its identity and, perhaps, its priorities. As training camp approaches, the Pacers find themselves on the cusp of one bold decision that could define their future.
In hindsight, the Pacers may ultimately benefit from avoiding a long-term commitment to Myles Turner as he enters his mid-30s. That said, there are no banners for balancing the books. The truth is that Indiana lost a vital piece of a starting five built more on chemistry than overwhelming talent. There’s no obvious replacement. Jay Huff is an intriguing flier with a comparable skill set. On the flip side, counting on him to start after falling out of Memphis’ playoff rotation is unrealistic. The other options, who are Tony Bradley, Isaiah Jackson, and James Wiseman, are proven backups. They are not starting solutions.
For a team that has always relied on cohesion rather than star power, Turner’s departure changes everything. His unique mix of floor spacing, rim protection, and mobility within their uptempo scheme isn’t something they can easily duplicate. Adding Pascal Siakamnear the 2024 deadline gave Indiana another top-end piece, and the front office has built respectable depth. Still, without Haliburton’s steady orchestration and Turner’s connective presence, this Pacers team is searching for a new identity.
