On July 8, the team's core point guard Tyrese Haliburton underwent surgery for a torn right Achilles tendon and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season. Kevin Pritchard, the Pacers' president of basketball operations , revealed in an interview that the surgery has been completed and he has entered the recovery stage.

This serious injury occurred in Game 7 of the Finals , when Haliburton played with an injury. Before the game, he was listed as doubtful due to a calf strain. In the crucial battle, he insisted on playing, making 3 of 3 three-pointers in the opening game, scoring 9 points, and then left the game due to injury. After Haliburton left the game, the Pacers were outscored 56-43 by the Thunder in the second half, and eventually lost to their opponents 91-103, watching the Thunder win the first championship trophy in team history.

In fact, he had strained his calf in Game 5 of the Finals, and insisted on playing in Game 6 with the injury, and continued to fight in Game 7, which eventually led to a more serious injury. In response to outside doubts, Haliburton expressed his attitude on social media: " I never regret playing that game. I am willing to fight for this city and my brothers again and again. "

During the finals, Haliburton averaged 14 points, 5.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game, and was one of the key contributors to the Pacers' historic run to the finals. During the regular season, he also played at an All-Star level, averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, and was selected to the NBA All-Time Third Team.

The new season is destined to be difficult for the Pacers. Not only does the team have to face the dilemma of the absence of the main player, but it also needs to reshape the tactical system and hope that young players can grow during Haliburton's absence. As for Haliburton personally, he needs more time and patience in the next few months to complete his recovery and gradually return to the court.