Looking at the positives in a tough season
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — In a season full of losses, it’s important to track “wins” in some other ways that don’t only show up in the standings. It’s been a disappointing year for the Indiana Pacers, after coming within one game of a championship just 10 short months ago. And yet, things are still looking up for a franchise that hopes to get right back into contention this fall. So, what are some of the positive takeaways from 2025-2026?
•There’s a new Center in town.
Though he only played in a few games before being shut down with a rib injury, Ivica Zubac is the new man in the middle for this next contending window. He’s signed for the next two seasons and will bring a new dynamic to the five position with this group. His ability to rebound, screen, and play within the offense will be a welcome sight for Pacer fans over the next few years. One of the biggest questions of the future has already been answered after this trade. That’s a huge win from this season.
•A strong year from Jarace Walker.
This was a massive season for Walker to prove he belongs, and the former lottery pick has started to hit his stride. After a slow start, Walker has averaged 15/7/4 since the All-Star Break, and now looks to be firmly in this team’s future plans. Check the article below for more on Walker’s development this season.
•The Lottery Odds.
With nine games to play, the Pacers have a three game cushion in the reverse standings. If they can “hang on” to a bottom-three record in the league, they will have a 52% chance of landing a top-four pick in a draft that appears to have four strong players at the top. A little better than 50/50 chance sounds pretty low for the season they’ve just had to endure, but it’s actually the highest percentage for any team to have in the lottery. This result will be known on May 10th, but for now, it appears to be a “win” that the Pacers will have the best odds they can get.
•The play of Quenton Jackson.
The Pacers saw enough in Jackson this season to convert his contract into a guaranteed deal. Jackson has averaged a solid 8.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 17.4 minutes per game, while also shooting 47% from the field and 37% from three. He’s had limited time but has made that time count. Jackson even gave his best Haliburton impression in a November game with 25 points, 10 assists, and zero turnovers. Jackson’s overall season and contract may sound insignificant to some, but this development will give the Pacers a cheaper depth option for the future, and it’s a guy they have come to trust in their system. They won’t have to fill that role elsewhere and can focus their time and assets in other areas.
•Good signs from other achilles injuries.
This one may be a reach, but we’re looking for any positives we can find. This doesn’t have anything to do with the current team, but may give a positive outlook to their future. Dejounte Murray and Jayson Tatum have both returned from achilles injuries, and are both playing great basketball. Tyrese Haliburton will end up having several more months off compared to those two players, which should bode well for his pending comeback.
•The play of Andrew Nembhard.
Stepping into a different role isn’t easy, but Nembhard has done a great job. He’s averaaging 17/7 for the year, and had a stretch over the month of January where he was averaging nearly 19/9. On Wednesday night, he became just the fifth player in the Pacers (NBA) history to have 19 assists in a game.
“He’s gotten better in all areas,” said Rick Carlisle about Nembhard. “It can be a very daunting thing but he’s approached it with a great intention and he’s a worker and he loves the game. Loves to compete. It’s been difficult to work through all the losses. He’s not used to losing. But his spirit has never been affected. That’s one of the things that makes him special.”
•Assists and Turnovers
There aren’t a whole lot of positive stats for the Pacers this season, but the assists and turnovers have remained solid. The Pacers are 13th in assists and 14th in turnovers on the year, which may not sound like much. That’s not easy to do in a lost season, however, especially with the team currently having the worst record in the league. The play of the aforementioned Nembhard has been a big reason for these better-than-league-average numbers in these two stats.
Before Wednesday’s game, Rick Carlisle reflected on the season and also expressed optimism for the future:
“I’ve realized how much I love this organization and this fan base,” he said. “Our building has been full all year long. People have stayed in their seats through the whole game. They believe in this organization and everything we’re working to stand for. I’m just very grateful. There have been parts of this season that have been very challenging, but after all these years, I’ve realized it’s a get-to job not a have to job. The guys we have are amazing people. And we’re certainly looking forward to next season.”
