Pacers Hype May Make LeBron James Wish He Was With Tyrese Haliburton

The Indiana Pacers have generated significant buzz for the upcoming season, with ESPN's latest projections placing them as one of the league's biggest underdogs. The Pacers find themselves tied for first place in ESPN's voting for the team expected to make the most significant improvement, earning 46 points, which is the same as the Utah Jazz. This top ranking reflects the optimism surrounding the Pacers' potential turnaround after finishing near the bottom of the standings last season.

ESPN's panel recognized the Pacers' unique opportunity to turn things around, despite not securing one of the top two draft picks. The team made a significant move at the February trade deadline, acquiring Ivica Zubac, who could prove to be a crucial asset in their rebuilding process. Moreover, the return of Tyrese Haliburton, who had suffered a right Achilles tear, adds another layer of enthusiasm to the team's prospects.

Haliburton's comeback is seen as a game-changer, as the Pacers were once formidable contenders, defeating the Knicks in the playoffs in both 2024 and 2025. With Haliburton back in the lineup, ESPN's panel is confident that Indiana could surprise many with their performance in the 2026 season. This newfound hype is not merely a fleeting sentiment; the Pacers are now being treated as genuine contenders, rather than an overlooked team to watch.

With the Pacers receiving the most votes among teams projected to make a major leap, it seems that LeBron James might find himself wishing he had joined forces with Tyrese Haliburton this season, given the team's promising trajectory.