In a surprising development that will send ripples across the NBA landscape, Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard has officially confirmed that All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton will not play in the 2025-2026 NBA season. The announcement, made during a press availability on Wednesday, comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Haliburton’s lingering health issues following a series of lower body injuries that limited his availability during the previous season.
Haliburton, the 24-year-old franchise point guard, has quickly developed into the heart and soul of the Pacers’ resurgence since arriving from the Sacramento Kings in a blockbuster trade in 2022. He earned back-to-back All-Star nods in 2024 and 2025, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier floor generals and playmakers. The news of his year-long absence is a devastating blow to a team that had been poised to build upon a strong showing in the 2024-2025 campaign.
Pritchard cited the team’s long-term vision and Haliburton’s overall health as the primary motivations behind the decision.
“After extensive conversations with our medical staff, Tyrese, and his representatives, we’ve decided the best course of action is for him to sit out the entire 2025-26 season,” Pritchard said. “This was not an easy decision, but it’s the right one. We’re prioritizing his health and the future of this franchise.”
The team did not disclose the specific nature of Haliburton’s injury, but sources close to the situation have indicated it stems from a recurring hamstring and knee issue that plagued him throughout the second half of last season. Despite missing several games and being placed on minute restrictions, Haliburton still managed to average 19.8 points, 10.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. His on-court presence remained elite, but behind the scenes, concerns about his long-term durability began to grow.
Pritchard emphasized that the franchise is working closely with top medical specialists and rehabilitation experts to ensure Haliburton makes a full recovery without any compromise to his long-term career. The plan includes non-surgical intervention, advanced rehabilitation protocols, and a complete reset of his physical load over the next year.
Haliburton also released a statement through the Pacers’ communications team.
“This has been a tough decision for me, but one I know is necessary,” Haliburton said. “I love this game, I love representing the city of Indianapolis, and I’m going to use this time to come back stronger, smarter, and better. My focus is on the long haul — competing for championships, not rushing back and risking setbacks.”
The announcement throws Indiana’s immediate future into uncertainty. With Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers will need to reconfigure their offensive identity and leadership structure. Much of the offensive burden will now fall to young guards Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard, while veterans like Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam (if re-signed) will be looked upon to steady the team on both ends of the floor.
Head coach Rick Carlisle, who has worked closely with Haliburton to develop an innovative, high-paced offense centered around his playmaking, acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic.
“It’s a big blow — no doubt,” Carlisle said. “Tyrese is a special player and person. But this is also a moment for others to grow. We’ve got a talented, hungry group, and we’re going to use this as an opportunity to build depth and resilience.”
The timing is especially painful given the momentum the Pacers had been building. The team reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over a decade during the 2024 playoffs, driven by Haliburton’s heroics and a rejuvenated team chemistry. With the East wide open and Indiana poised to compete, the loss of their franchise cornerstone creates a major void.
Still, team executives remain focused on the long game. Haliburton signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension last summer, and the franchise sees him as the centerpiece of their championship aspirations for years to come. In his three years with Indiana, he has not only elevated the team’s competitiveness but also re-
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