The Indiana Pacers enter 2026-27 healthy after two turbulent seasons. Two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton returns from a torn Achilles suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals. Indiana also adds Ivica Zubac, acquired at last year's trade deadline, plus Pascal Siakam, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Larry Nance Jr.

The Pacers went 19-63 last season without Haliburton. Zubac is a clear upgrade over Myles Turner, outperforming him in scoring, rebounding, PER and win shares. Indiana missed a potential top-four pick in June's draft, but retained core pieces Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin under coach Rick Carlisle.

ESPN's offseason grade: B-. Extension talks for Haliburton and Siakam loom, though both remain under contract for multiple years. The big question: is Haliburton's return enough to make Indiana a contender in the upgraded East?