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Three Pacers That Can Keep Indiana Competitive With Tyrese Haliburton Out for Season

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 15:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Tyrese Haliburton out for the season

Tyrese Haliburton, the 22‑year‑old point guard acquired by the Pacers in a trade with the Sacramento Kings in the summer of 2023, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in a preseason workout. The injury, reported by the team’s medical staff on a July 15 post, will sideline him for the remainder of the 2023‑24 campaign. In a career that began with the Sacramento Kings, Haliburton quickly became known for his court vision, play‑making, and efficient scoring. Over 30 games in his rookie season, he averaged 13.7 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game—figures that underscored his status as a floor general. His absence raises questions about how the Pacers will fill the void at the point guard position, but the team’s coaching staff and front office have expressed confidence in the depth and adaptability of their roster.

Myles Hinton: The new floor general

The article gives special emphasis to Myles Hinton, who has been the Pacers’ primary point guard in Haliburton’s absence. Hinton, a 6‑3 guard who played two seasons at the University of Arkansas, entered the NBA with the Chicago Bulls in 2020. His profile on Basketball‑Reference lists career averages of 7.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, but the feature notes that Hinton has grown into a more versatile role in Indiana. During the 2023‑24 season, Hinton has posted a 29‑point outing against the Washington Wizards and has been praised for his defensive tenacity and quick decision‑making. Head coach Mike Rizzo highlighted Hinton’s ability to keep the ball moving, saying, “Myles has stepped up as the primary playmaker and his leadership on the floor is exactly what we need right now.” Hinton’s steady hands and improved shooting range have also allowed the Pacers to stretch defenses and create open lanes for teammates.

Zach Collins: The power forward backbone

Zach Collins, the 6‑9 power forward who also came from Arkansas (though his draft journey began with a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers before landing in Indianapolis), is another pillar of the Pacers’ resurgence. Collins, who has a reputation for rebounding and inside scoring, is recognized for his high‑energy defensive play and hustle. The article points out that Collins’ 2023‑24 season average of 12.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game has been critical in the Pacers’ stretch‑five strategy. He also has a notable defensive rating, often guarding the opposing team’s best wing player. Collins’ ability to hit mid‑range jumpers and finish around the rim provides a complementary offense to Hinton’s perimeter play. During a recent stretch of five straight wins, Collins recorded a 15‑point, 12‑rebound double‑double, showcasing his impact when the Pacers’ frontcourt is firing on all cylinders.

Cameron Johnson: The perimeter threat

Cameron Johnson, the 6‑6 forward who joined the Pacers in the 2022 off‑season, is lauded for his shooting ability and floor spacing. A former standout at the University of Alabama‑Birmingham, Johnson has carved out a niche as a three‑point specialist. The article notes that Johnson’s shooting percentages hover around 38‑40% from beyond the arc—a key component in the Pacers’ offensive sets, especially when the offense is forced to the paint by the absence of a primary ball‑handler. Johnson’s defensive work is also highlighted; he has shown improved shot‑blocking and the capacity to switch onto quicker guards. In a 2023‑24 game against the Atlanta Hawks, Johnson recorded a career‑high 20 points, all of them from deep, illustrating his value as an outside threat. His presence forces opposing defenses to double‑team more often, opening up driving lanes for Hinton and creating open shots for Collins and other teammates.

Team depth and strategic adjustments

Beyond these three players, the feature acknowledges the broader depth of the Pacers’ roster, noting that the team’s front office has strategically signed veteran role players and extended contracts to preserve competitiveness. Roster moves like the acquisition of veteran guard Jalen Brown, who can slot into a backup role behind Hinton, and the trade of forward Darius Murry to the Charlotte Hornets (in exchange for a 2024 first‑round draft pick) are framed as smart moves to maintain flexibility in the schedule. Coach Rizzo also emphasizes the importance of the Pacers’ defensive identity, noting that the team’s defensive efficiency improved in the second half of the season—ranked 13th in the NBA by defensive rating—despite the mid‑season injury to Haliburton.

Looking ahead

With Haliburton out for the season, the Pacers will likely lean heavily on Hinton’s playmaking, Collins’ inside presence, and Johnson’s perimeter shooting. The article projects that, should the trio stay healthy, the Pacers could finish the season with a winning record and contend for a playoff berth. It also hints at potential long‑term plans, such as re‑evaluating the point‑guard position and exploring trade options should the team secure a strong finish.

In sum, the article offers an in‑depth look at how Indiana’s roster dynamics have shifted with the loss of a star, and how the combination of Myles Hinton’s newfound leadership, Zach Collins’ front‑court dominance, and Cameron Johnson’s shooting prowess will keep the Pacers a force to be reckoned with. For readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Pacers’ prospects, the feature stands as a timely reminder that basketball teams thrive on depth, adaptability, and the willingness of emerging stars to step into larger roles when opportunity calls.