The Pacers’ long-awaited return to the NBA Finals after 25 years ended in major heartbreak. Tyrese Haliburton ’s devastating Achilles injury in Game 7 only made things worse. Recently, news broke that Hali was ruled out for the 2025–26 season. While he’s been staying upbeat, even joking with his trainers that he feels like he’s “in pre-draft mode”, the Indiana side is busy shaping its new identity. And at the center of that plan? Rick Carlisle has put his faith in one name: Bennedict Mathurin.

Rick Carlisle made his stance clear. “I’ve basically said, it’s his job to lose as a starter. With [Andrew] Nembhard bumping over to point and Tyrese being out, he’s expected to be the starting two. He’s going to have to guard some of the better players, and on both ends. Defensively and offe

See Full Page