The Indiana Pacers have one of the best odds to get the top overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, but the team might avoid drafting someone who could challenge Tyrese Haliburton’s superstar identity. The Pacers guard is out of the team due to a right Achilles tendon injury he suffered in the 2025 NBA finals. Former NBA player Jeff Teague explained how the team might be looking at the 2026 NBA draft.
Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa are two of the most anticipated college picks for the 2026 NBA draft. However, the 2021 NBA champion Teague believed that the Pacers would target Boozer instead of Dybantsa because they already have a face of the franchise in Haliburton. He said:
“Tyrese Haliburton is your star, AJ Dybantsa come, he’s not your star no more. Even though he’ll be a perennial All-Star, Tyrese Haliburton is a really good player. Cam Boozer fit the mode of like blending in with our star. We have trouble in Indiana with outgoing big personalities.”
The former NBA player also stated that the Duke forward would be a better fit for the Pacers than the BYU Cougars center. Boozer averages 22.5 points and 10.4 assists in his freshman season, and can be a perfect pairing with Hali at the top of the key.
Teague also compared the situation with Peyton Manning, who was not an out-and-out superstar but had an impact in the locker room. He added Reggie Miller to the mix and stated that he also had a similar presence on the team. He added:
“Same with Reggie Miller. You didn’t know, he had a personality in the locker room but we wasn’t. Now who he is way different than when he played. Paul George was a low-key superstar. He ain’t do too much. He was lowkey. We like that here.”
The Indiana Pacers have been the bottom feeders this season after Haliburton was sidelined for the entire season. However, the team ended a 16-game losing streak with their last win against the Orlando Magic.
The Pacers struggle without Tyrese Haliburton
The Pacers have had a dismal run this season with a record of 16-56. They lost 16 consecutive games but ended the losing run with their close win against the Magic, 128-126. Pascal Siakam, who has led the franchise in points and rebounds, led the offense with 37 points and six rebounds.
Besides Siakam, Jarace Walker added 20 points, and Aaron Nesmith scored 19. The team has shut down for the season and will focus on the draft this offseason to strengthen the offense and look for a title run next season.
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