Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

ESPN Picks Pacers as 2026-27 Surprise Top Team

8/29/2026

42 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

ESPN projects the Indiana Pacers as a top surprise team for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Coach Rick Carlisle is favored by ESPN to win the 2026-27 NBA Coach of the Year award.
Tyrese Haliburton returns after a right Achilles tear, giving the Pacers a key offensive catalyst.
ESPN’s panel gave the Pacers 46 points, tying them with the Utah Jazz for the top vote.

History

Historical Context

After Larry Brown added Rasheed Wallace in February 2004, the Detroit Pistons finished 54-28, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the Finals and earned Chauncey Billups MVP honors, while the Indiana Pacers fell to Detroit in the Eastern Conference Finals. ESPN now projects a revived Pacers, led by Rick Carlisle and Tyrese Haliburton, as a surprise 2026-27 contender.

1 of 2

Story summary

ESPN projects the Indiana Pacers as a top surprise team for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Coach Rick Carlisle is favored by ESPN to win the 2026-27 NBA Coach of the Year award.
Tyrese Haliburton returns after a right Achilles tear, giving the Pacers a key offensive catalyst.
ESPN’s panel gave the Pacers 46 points, tying them with the Utah Jazz for the top vote.

1 / 2