Pacers Season Grades: A Year of Development and Lottery Positioning

Despite a franchise-worst 19-63 record, the Indiana Pacers saw growth from young players amid a season defined by injuries.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:59pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting a Pacers basketball game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the team's season of rebuilding and player growth.The Pacers' season of adversity and growth is captured in a Cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the team's patchwork lineup and focus on player development.Indianapolis Today

The Indiana Pacers endured a historically bad 19-63 season, but the record doesn't tell the whole story. With half the team's top players sidelined by injuries, the Pacers were forced to lean on unproven players, who seized the opportunity to grow and develop. This article provides individual player grades, highlighting standout performances and areas for improvement across the roster.

Why it matters

The Pacers' dismal record positioned them well for the NBA Draft lottery, but the real story was the valuable experience gained by young players thrust into expanded roles. This season laid the groundwork for the team's future, as they aim to rebuild through the draft and player development.

The details

Despite the Pacers' franchise-worst 19-63 record, several players had career years, including Pascal Siakam, who averaged 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game and was named an All-Star. Andrew Nembhard also had a breakout season, setting career highs in scoring and assists. Other players like Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard showed flashes of potential, while veterans like T.J. McConnell provided steady leadership. The Pacers also integrated new additions like Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown, who had varying degrees of success.

  • The Pacers' season ended in April 2026.
  • Nembhard missed the entire month of April due to injury.
  • Furphy suffered a torn ACL in a game against the Raptors.
  • Kam Jones had a run-in with the law earlier in the season.
  • Kobe Brown joined the Pacers in a midseason trade with the Clippers.

The players

Pascal Siakam

An All-Star forward who led the Pacers in scoring, rebounding, and assists despite the team's struggles.

Andrew Nembhard

A second-year point guard who had a breakout season, setting career highs in scoring and assists.

Aaron Nesmith

A wing player who saw an expanded role but struggled with efficiency and consistency due to injuries.

Ivica Zubac

A veteran center who was acquired in a midseason trade but only played in five games due to personal and adjustment challenges.

Jarace Walker

A young wing who showed flashes of improvement but still has work to do on the defensive end.

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What they’re saying

“This season was always about two things: maximizing lottery positioning and developing young talent through adversity.”

— Alex Golden, Author

What’s next

The Pacers will head into the offseason with better lottery odds and a clearer picture of their young core, hoping the valuable experience gained this season will pay off in their rebuilding efforts.

The takeaway

Despite a historically bad season, the Pacers' focus on player development and positioning for the draft lottery laid the groundwork for the team's future. While the record was dismal, the growth and experience gained by young players like Siakam, Nembhard, and Walker provide reason for optimism as the Pacers look to rebuild through the draft and continued player development.