Draymond Green Says Pacers Are Title Contenders

The Indiana Pacers entered the 2025 NBA Finals as a surprise contender, only to lose Game 7 after Tyrese Haliburton suffered a severe injury early in the match.

Green’s endorsement after a historic run

During a recent appearance on The Draymond Green Show, the four‑time champion praised the Pacers, saying he “has zero doubt that y’all are capable of getting back there.” The Warriors forward’s remarks came after Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle discussed the team’s prospects with Green. Carlisle highlighted the importance of Pascal Siakam and Haliburton, calling them “great players” and emphasizing that the roster is being built around their talents.

Green’s confidence is notable because he played a central role in the Warriors’ recent title runs and is known for recognizing strong teams. His endorsement adds weight to the Pacers’ claim that the 2025 postseason was more than a flash in the pan.

Key players and lingering doubts

Haliburton’s injury in Game 7 left a void that the Pacers could not fill, and they fell 103‑91 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boasted the league’s top defense and a home‑court advantage at the Paycom Center. Despite the loss, many Pacers fans argue that a healthy Haliburton would have changed the outcome.

Outside observers have been split. While some analysts praised the Thunder’s performance, others pointed to the Pacers’ “magical” season, noting that the team’s chemistry and depth were evident throughout the playoffs.

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One practical implication of Green’s statement is that the Pacers may receive more attention from free‑agency players looking for a competitive environment. If the franchise can stay injury‑free, the combination of Haliburton’s playmaking and Siakam’s scoring could make Indiana a regular playoff fixture.

The Pacers’ path to the next Finals will still be challenging. The Eastern Conference features several teams with strong rosters, and the league’s overall parity means any contender must sustain performance over 82 games. Nonetheless, the endorsement from a respected veteran like Draymond Green shows the belief that Indiana’s recent success is not a one‑off event.

The injury that halted Haliburton’s run was described in contemporary reports as “horrific,” showing the dramatic shift in momentum when the point guard left the floor in the first quarter. That moment not only deflated the Pacers’ energy but also intensified the narrative around the “what‑if” scenario that dominates franchise lore. The visual record of the game captures Andrew Nembhard handling the ball while Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander guarded him, a snapshot that illustrates the intensity of the decisive contest.

Thunder dominance in the series was reinforced by their reputation as the league’s best defensive unit, a status that was further validated by their ability to limit the Pacers’ offensive efficiency in the final game. Their MVP‑led roster, combined with the advantage of playing in one of the toughest environments for visitors, created a formidable barrier that even a fully healthy Indiana squad would have needed to overcome.

Beyond the on‑court drama, the Pacers’ star duo faced a wave of criticism during the 2024‑25 season. Surveys from both The Athletic and other outlets listed Haliburton among the most overrated players, a perception that persisted despite his absence for the entire season. Remarkably, opposing players also cast votes for Siakam, highlighting a broader pattern of “disrespect” that the duo has consistently encountered. This external skepticism has been framed by supporters as evidence of the pair’s impact; the sentiment that “if you have haters, you must be doing something right” has become a rallying cry for the team.