Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrates with guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) after their win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

'That’s Not the Way I Look at It' – Indiana Pacers Star Dispels Notion of Becoming the No. 1 Option Sans Tyrese Haliburton

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 1:09 PM ET

With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined by a torn Achilles, the Indiana Pacers will likely heavily rely on Pascal Siakam to shoulder the load, as he figures to be the team’s second-best player.

However, Siakam doesn’t see it that way when he was asked about his new role this upcoming season. He believes that if the Indiana Pacers are going to be successful, it’ll take everyone doing their part.

“That’s not the way I look at it. We have to do it collectively. Have to have a group and do it together. Make sure I lead by example and the standard we have set,” Siakam said on Media Day via Tyler Smith of IndySportsLegends.com.

May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrates with forward Obi Toppin (1) during the second half of game five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

In his first full season with the Indiana Pacers, Siakam averaged 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 52/39/73 shooting splits across 78 regular season starts. He was named an All-Star for the third time in his NBA career.

Indiana Pacers News: Bennedict Mathurin reflects on his first real playoff experience

The Indiana Pacers surprised everyone with their run to the NBA Finals last season, as they almost won their first Larry O’Brien trophy at the expense of the Oklahoma City Thunder. During that run, Bennedict Mathurin had an inconsistent role, and he discussed it during Media Day.

Nov 20, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“Sometimes, I didn’t know when I was going to get into the games. I was just so excited that I was able to unlock a level of focus just to remain focused on the game. Whether I play 35 minutes or 17 or six minutes, to just go out there and give my all. I feel like that’s one part of the playoff experience I was able to unlock,” Mathurin said via Alex Golden on X (formerly known as Twitter).

With Haliburton out for the 2025-26 campaign, a bigger role awaits Mathurin. Last season, the Canadian swingman averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 45.8 percent shooting from the field across 72 regular season appearances.