Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) and guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrate after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

'They Haven’t Believed in Us in Three Years' – Indiana Pacers Forward Delivers Strong Message to Doubters This Upcoming Season

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 6:43 AM ET

Many have counted the Indiana Pacers out this upcoming season, as pundits don’t expect them to make another deep playoff run without star guard Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined by a torn Achilles.

But don’t tell that to Aaron Nesmith. The 25-year-old swingman said he’s tired of hearing the critics doubt the Indiana Pacers, who have been “surprising” people in the past few years, including a run to the NBA Finals last 2024-25 season.

“It doesn’t really matter what people believe or what they say,” Nesmith told ESPN. “They haven’t believed in us in three years. We surprise them every single year. I don’t see what makes this year any different.”

Feb 12, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) dunks against Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Nesmith plans to have a more productive 2025-26 campaign. In his third full season with the Indiana Pacers, he averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 50.7 percent shooting from the field across 45 regular season games.

Indiana Pacers lose important rotation player to injury

The Indiana Pacers’ point guard has been severely compromised, as it was confirmed that TJ McConnell will miss at least a month’s worth of action due to a hamstring injury.

May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots the ball during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The veteran backup sustained the knock during the team’s recent preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This means he could at least miss the first 10 games of the 2025-26 regular season.

Following the announcement of McConnell’s injury, the Indiana Pacers signed Cameron Payne to a training camp contract and waived Delon Wright.