Pacers must avoid hidden failure that could turn next season into a disaster

The Pacers have a unique opportunity next season, but it could backfire in a major way.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle looks on during the second half of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. | Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesWins won't matter too much for the Indiana Pacers next season, but if their players fail to take another step in their development, then next season will be a major disaster.

As it stands, many are calling next season a "gap year" for Indiana. They will be without Tyrese Haliburton due to injury and Myles Turner, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, meaning that they are likely not going to contend for a…