Is This Pacers Guard the Hidden Star About to Explode Onto the NBA Scene?

So here’s a curious thought: can a team truly reinvent itself when its brightest star steps away for a season? The Indiana Pacers are about to test that theory in 2025-26, facing the challenge of life without Tyrese Haliburton. But rather than wallow in uncertainty, they’re rolling out the welcome mat for Andrew Nembhard, a player who’s long been waiting in the wings for his moment to shine. With the spotlight glaring and expectations mounting, could this be the breakout year that turns Nembhard from a solid contributor into a bona fide star? As the Pacers navigate a season that promises less glory but perhaps more surprises, the question isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about identity, opportunity, and who steps up when the pressure’s on. Let’s dive into why this season might be a pivotal chapter in Indiana’s evolving basketball story.

2025 NBA Finals - Game Seven — (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Indiana Pacers will be attempting to find a new identity in the upcoming season.

They will be without their lead star, Tyrese Haliburton, but that will give other players an opportunity to step up and shine.

Evan Sidery thinks that 2025-26 could be massive for Andrew Nemmbhard, who has been waiting for a breakout year.

“Andrew Nembhard has been given the keys to the Pacers’ offense this season in place of Tyrese Haliburton, who won’t return until 2026-27. Indiana believes Nembhard is poised for a huge breakout, and he’s the betting favorite to win Most Improved Player,” Sidery posted on X.

Andrew Nembhard has been given the keys to the Pacers’ offense this season in place of Tyrese Haliburton, who won’t return until 2026-27.

Indiana believes Nembhard is poised for a huge breakout, and he’s the betting favorite to win Most Improved Player.pic.twitter.com/ZFMgfeWamy

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 19, 2025

Nembhard started in all of his 65 games last season, producing 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.

There is no doubt that he will do better than that in the new season because he will be one of the few Indiana stars who will try to fill the void left by Haliburton.

He will be given more minutes, more control, more opportunities.

The Pacers will call on him more in just about every way possible.

That will definitely help his chances of winning Most Improved Player because he will be getting a lot of attention.

And he won’t be the only one, as head coach Rick Carlisle will need to demand a lot more from everyone in the lineup.

The 2025-26 season might not feature as much success as last year, but it’ll shine a bright spotlight on several Pacers players.

This could help them now and also in the long run when Haliburton returns.

He could come back to a team with more confidence up and down the roster.

The post Pacers Guard Could Be Poised For ‘Huge Breakout’ appeared first on The Cold Wire.