Former NBA point guard Jeff Teague criticized the 2024-25 Indiana Pacers roster on the Club 520 Podcast, calling it “one of the worst finals teams in NBA history.” He questioned the overall state of the league, saying, “What does that say about the rest of the league? … One of the worst rosters in NBA history to make the finals.”

The Pacers’ 2024-25 season marked their 58th franchise year and the second consecutive playoff appearance under coach Rick Carlisle. Indiana clinched the fourth seed with a 50-win season, their best since 2013-14.

Despite injuries to key players Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, both sidelined with Achilles ruptures, the Pacers navigated the season by acquiring multiple centers including Thomas Bryant, Tony Bradley, and Jahlil Okafor.

Indiana’s playoff run included a first-round win over the Milwaukee Bucks and a five-game series victory against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers then advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year, defeating the New York Knicks in six games.

The team reached the NBA Finals for only the second time in franchise history, matching up with the 68-win Oklahoma City Thunder. The Finals extended to a full seven games, but the Pacers lost after star point guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon early in Game 7.

Pacers’ roster construction raised questions due to its lack of star depth beyond Pascal Siakam, who re-signed in the offseason on a four-year, $189.5 million deal. Other contributors included Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner, and Jarace Walker, but the team leaned heavily on role players and depth acquisitions.