“It’s gonna be a team that looks quite different” – Rick Carlisle reveals what changes the Pacers fans can expect next season originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Without Tyrese Haliburton for possibly all of the 2025-26 season, Rick Carlisle must get creative if the Indiana Pacers want to remain in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference. Carlisle already has a gist of what to expect from the team, which includes more responsibility shared among the rotation guys.
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“There are many challenges, and we’re talking about this right now organizationally, from a roster construction standpoint for this season,” Carlisle told Caitlin Cooper. “Our game this year is gonna look different. There’s gonna be times when it doesn’t look pretty. I think we’re going to be a more physical defensive team, all those kinds of things. Things are going to change.”
“Our fans are going to be in for an interesting year. It’s gonna be a team that looks quite different,” added the 2002 NBA Coach of the Year.
The Hali effect
Carlisle is a master at maximizing the hand that he was dealt. He took the Detroit Pistons from a non-playoff team with just 32 wins to the top of the East in consecutive seasons. Back then, the Pistons made the leap behind Ben Wallace’s improvement as an All-NBA defender.
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Interestingly, the same thing has to happen again. Without Haliburton generating points with his patented go-ahead passes, the Pacers have to transition to a more defensive-minded team and share ball-handling responsibilities by committee. Thankfully, Carlisle has the personnel, thanks to Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam and the rest of the squad.
“(Andrew) is going to have to adjust some. He’s gonna have to maintain his aggression defensively because he loves to defend… Pascal is now gonna become a primary ballhandler. You think of the other guys, you know, we’ll see who starts at center. Isaiah Jackson is an underrated ballhandler and playmaker. He’s in the mix. Jay Huff is a skilled guy,” Carlisle continued.
While having to tinker and experiment like that must be exciting for a coach, Carlisle admitted they have to realize the hard way how valuable Haliburton really is. Gone are most of the early opportunities he creates, and most importantly, the luxury of having a proven go-to guy during the last seconds of the game.
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“I know how great he is, but unfortunately, I’m going to find out even more how great he is by not having him with us this year,” added the Pacers head coach.
Losing Myles Turner
Aside from the pain of losing Haliburton to an Achilles injury, the Pacers also have to deal with Turner’s free agency departure to the Milwaukee Bucks. Although some thought Turner’s search for greener pastures wouldn’t hurt as much, his rim protection as a two-time league leader in blocks and improved shooting will be missed.
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Turner’s ability to anchor a defense with his timing and shot-blocking instincts made him a valuable piece for Indiana’s interior. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in blocks, and his presence alone deterred opponents from attacking the rim. Few bigs were as dependable at covering for breakdowns or closing out defensive possessions with a clean contest.
But for all his defensive counting stats, Turner’s rebounding was often a concern. He wasn’t a dominant force on the glass, and that occasionally left the Pacers vulnerable against more physical frontcourts. If Carlisle wants a grittier, more physically imposing team this year, Turner may not be somebody built for that.
The Pacers can’t replace Haliburton or Turner outright, but Carlisle’s history suggests he’ll find a way to keep them in the mix. And this season, that might mean leaning into discomfort and letting a new identity form.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.