The Indiana Pacers find themselves at a precarious crossroads after a significant development that could alter the trajectory of their 2025-26 campaign. With All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined due to an Achilles injury, the organization now faces the daunting task of reshuffling the core of its offense, leadership, and vision. Haliburton, widely seen as the franchise’s engine, has not only been the team’s best player but also its emotional and tactical anchor. As he embarks on what is expected to be a lengthy recovery, pressure mounts on the front office to act decisively and find a stopgap — or perhaps even a long-term — replacement. Multiple voices around the league, including analysts, insiders, and former players, are now urging the Pacers to swing big and sign an available All-Star free agent to soften the blow of losing Haliburton and to stay relevant in the hyper-competitive Eastern Conference.
For Indiana, this is not just a matter of plugging in a statistical replacement. Haliburton’s contributions go far beyond box score numbers. His court vision, tempo control, leadership in the locker room, and intangible ability to make everyone around him better are not easy qualities to replicate. Since arriving in Indiana, Haliburton has transformed the Pacers’ offensive identity with his unselfish playmaking and deep range shooting. His ability to initiate early offense, dominate in pick-and-roll scenarios, and make accurate decisions under pressure gave Indiana a sense of stability and structure. Losing that kind of presence means the Pacers now must reconstruct not just their offensive playbook but their entire rhythm. With their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the team’s willingness to go all-in during this moment could define their next several seasons.
Among the most talked-about options is bringing in an experienced All-Star free agent who can offer a blend of scoring, leadership, and floor generalship. Names like Jrue Holiday, Kyle Lowry, and even the still-available Russell Westbrook have been floated by insiders as potential short-term fits. Each brings a unique skill set that could help Indiana stabilize the backcourt and keep the playoff dreams alive. Jrue Holiday, with his elite perimeter defense and championship experience, could provide a two-way punch while facilitating for teammates. Kyle Lowry, despite being past his prime, still offers savvy veteran leadership, timely shot-making, and a high basketball IQ. Westbrook, the most polarizing name among the three, brings intensity, rebounding from the guard position, and the ability to single-handedly carry stretches of games — though his fit in a modern spacing-oriented system remains debatable.
While each option comes with pros and cons, the larger philosophical question Indiana must wrestle with is whether to remain patient and hope internal development from players like Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard, and rookie guards can hold the fort — or to accelerate the timeline by investing in a high-profile veteran. NBA history is full of examples where franchises have stumbled when faced with a similar dilemma. Choose wrong, and not only do you risk derailing the current season, but you could also impede the growth of your young core by introducing a short-term fix that requires ball dominance or stylistic changes. But opt to stay passive, and you may waste a year of prime development for your budding stars while fans grow restless.
One of the driving reasons for a more aggressive approach is the current composition of the Eastern Conference. With perennial powerhouses like the Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers maintaining high-level rosters, the Pacers can’t afford to lose momentum. Last season’s breakout performance earned them recognition as an up-and-coming threat. They’ve already invested in experienced pieces like Pascal Siakam, whose presence signals a win-now mindset. Adding an All-Star guard as Haliburton’s temporary replacement would not only complement Siakam’s skill set but also send a message to the rest of the league that Indiana is serious about competing. Teams like the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers are all expected to jostle for top-five seeds. If Indiana chooses inaction, they could quickly slide into the lower playoff tier or even fall into the dreaded play-in purgatory.
Financially, the Pacers are in a relatively favorable position. They have enough cap maneuverability and mid-level exception flexibility to make a competitive offer to a free agent. That said, they must be wary of long-term consequences. Overpaying or signing someone to a deal that stretches beyond this year could complicate their future payroll, especially when Haliburton returns to full health. That’s why shorter-term deals, ideally with a team or player option, may be the smartest route. It provides insurance for this season while allowing the front office to reassess once Haliburton’s status becomes clearer.
Another factor pushing the Pacers toward a splashy signing is fan sentiment. The city of Indianapolis, while a smaller market, has always been passionate and fiercely loyal to its basketball team. Haliburton’s rise had injected fresh excitement into the fanbase, and his injury has dealt an emotional blow not just to the roster, but to the wider community. Bringing in a known commodity — a veteran with a name, accolades, and leadership skills — could go a long way toward restoring that enthusiasm. It offers hope, even if temporary, and reassures the public that the franchise is committed to remaining competitive.
From a stylistic standpoint, whoever the Pacers sign must be able to integrate seamlessly into Rick Carlisle’s system. Carlisle, known for his structured offensive schemes and emphasis on smart decision-making, needs a guard who can quickly digest complex sets and provide dependable ball-handling. That’s part of what makes Lowry an intriguing choice — his cerebral style of play fits naturally into Carlisle’s blueprint. Jrue Holiday, on the other hand, would enhance the team’s defensive ceiling and allow for creative switch-heavy lineups. Westbrook might offer the highest ceiling in terms of athletic impact but could present the steepest learning curve when it comes to offensive cohesion.
Of course, there are those who argue that Indiana should ride the wave with its younger talent. Nembhard, in particular, showed flashes of high-level decision-making last season and could benefit tremendously from being thrown into a lead role. There’s something to be said about giving your rising stars meaningful minutes in high-pressure situations. It can catalyze growth in a way practice reps and garbage time minutes cannot. However, the risk is that an inexperienced core could struggle mightily in the dog days of the regular season, losing ground in the standings that may be impossible to recover later. Development is crucial, but the timing must be calibrated to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
One name that’s gained surprising traction in recent days is Goran Dragić. Though not at the same level of previous options, Dragić is a seasoned floor general who has playoff experience and a professional attitude. He could serve as a secondary playmaker while allowing younger guards to share the load. His presence would provide stability without dominating the offense, and he wouldn’t require a hefty long-term contract. If Indiana opts for more of a stopgap approach, this could be a realistic alternative.
As pressure mounts, General Manager Chad Buchanan and President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard are likely already deep in exploratory conversations with agents and rival executives. The franchise must also consider what message its next move sends to its players. A bold signing could galvanize the locker room and reinforce belief in their postseason chances. A passive approach, however, might be perceived as waving the white flag — particularly in a season where the Eastern Conference is wide open outside of a few heavyweights.
What cannot be overlooked is the psychological impact on the players who remain. Veterans like Siakam, Myles Turner, and Buddy Hield are not here for a rebuild or a patience project. They want to win now. They’ve earned that right, and the front office must honor their timeline as much as Haliburton’s. Additionally, Carlisle, a seasoned coach with a championship pedigree, won’t want to waste a season trying to tread water with an incomplete roster.
In the end, the Pacers face a situation that demands both urgency and wisdom. Signing an All-Star free agent could be the jolt of energy the team needs, a bridge across the chasm created by Haliburton’s absence. It won’t be a perfect fix, and it won’t replicate the unique brilliance of their sidelined star, but it could salvage their season and keep their long-term vision intact. With the clock ticking and Eastern Conference teams sharpening their weapons, Indiana’s next move may not only define this year — it may alter the entire arc of their rebuild-to-contender journey.
