Just two short years ago, the Indiana Pacers took the Oklahoma City Thunder to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. They were just one win shy of their first ever NBA championship.
Unfortunately, in Game 7, tragedy struck the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton went down with a torn Achilles early in the game, which ended Indiana’s hopes of a title.
Throughout the course of the 2025-26 NBA season, the Pacers fought hard. However, it was clear that they were nothing close to the team they were previously without Haliburton on the court. When all was said and done, Indiana mustered up a 19-63 record.
So far during the offseason, the Pacers have made some quality moves. They were able to sign veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year deal worth around $17 million. Indiana also signed veteran big man Larry Nance Jr. to a one-year deal.
Once again, Indiana is expected to be a contender this coming year.
Aaron Nesmith was recently asked about his expectations for the team this season. He did not hesitate to make a bold statement about the NBA Finals.
“I’ll see you in The Finals,” Nesmith said.
He then doubled down on his statement before ending the brief interview.
“Hey, you gonna see me in The Finals.”
Those comments will excite a Pacers’ fan base that went through a lot of pain last year. They are ready to get back to playing meaningful basketball in the playoffs.
On paper, the team looks like a potential contender. Assuming Haliburton is able to return to pre-injury form, the additions of Ivica Zubac and Oubre should help power the team back to contention. They still have familiar faces like Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, Jarace Walker, and more on the roster as well.
At the end of the day, Indiana will need to prove that it belongs once again. The Pacers are already being talked about as a bottom-tier contender in the Eastern Conference.
That being said, the doubt from the media will only add extra motivation for head coach Rick Carlisle and his squad.
