Rick Carlisle says exactly what Pacers fans know about Tyrese Haliburton

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle and fans recognize Tyrese Haliburton's exceptionally positive attitude as his defining trait, noting he maintains optimism regardless of difficult circumstances. Since joining the Pacers via trade from Sacramento in February, Haliburton has emerged as one of the NBA's elite point guards and a franchise icon, earning two All-Star selections, two All-NBA honors, an assists title, and an Olympic gold medal. He led Indiana to the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals and the 2025 NBA Finals—their first appearance in over two decades—where they pushed the league's best team to a decisive Game 7.

Haliburton will miss the entire upcoming season due to an Achilles injury. Despite this setback, his unwavering positivity endears him to the organization. The Pacers' recent Finals run highlighted his impact, with speculation that the outcome might have differed without his early-game injury. While the team retains a promising young core and benefits from Carlisle's coaching, they face significant challenges without Haliburton and Myles Turner, who departed for Milwaukee. Their offensive identity will require major adjustments, and though resilient, a return to the Finals next season is considered nearly impossible.

Indiana remains positioned to compete long-term in the open Eastern Conference but anticipates 2026 as a transitional "gap year." Without Haliburton's unique playmaking and leadership, the team loses its catalytic edge, making another deep playoff run unlikely despite underlying talent and systemic strengths.