Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and guard T.J. McConnell Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers' Troubles Could Soon Become Worth It

Originally posted on Indianapolis Pacers on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 8:00 AM ET

The Indiana Pacers have had arguably one of the worst seasons in franchise history with just 10 wins by the middle of January.

It's a far cry from where the team was less than a year ago, when they were one win away from winning the NBA Finals. Considering the fact that the team was so close to winning the championship less than a year ago, there's hope that there could be a quick turnaround if the Pacers land one of the top picks in the upcoming draft.

"In 1996-97, the Spurs fell from a 59-23 record the previous year to 20-62 amid a slate of injuries. But that lost season brought in No. 1 pick Tim Duncan -- and, eventually, five titles -- to San Antonio. Fast-forward three decades, and Indiana's injury-plagued gap year might end up being worth it in the end, if the Pacers land a top prospect in the draft," ESPN contributor Zach Kram wrote.

Pacers Could Get Lucky in NBA Draft

If there was a year for the Pacers to be one of the worst teams in the league, this is not a bad year to have that happen. The top of the 2026 NBA draft class is viewed as one of the greatest in recent memory. That phrase is thrown around a lot, especially with these recent draft classes, but this year has several stars that could become franchise cornerstones in the not-too-distant future.

Kansas guard Darren Peterson is widely viewed as the number one overall pick. He has abilities that could make him a 20-point scorer in the league on a nightly basis as soon as next year. He could fit in nicely with Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt for the Pacers.

Indiana could also look to take a player like BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, who is making a strong impact in his lone season in Provo.

There's also Cameron Boozer whose dad Carlos was an All-Star in the NBA and had a very successful career. He is looking like a stronger prospect than his dad at Duke and could be a strong big man for the Pacers moving forward. Considering the fact that Myles Turner is no longer with the team, Indiana needs a big man, and Boozer could become that.

The Pacers are back in action tomorrow when they have a Finals rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET inside the Paycom Center.