Two-time MVP Steve Nash has named the Indiana Pacers as his pick to make a return trip to the NBA Finals. Nash made the declaration on The Zach Lowe Show, blending sentiment with a clear basketball case for Rick Carlisle's team as they build momentum in the preseason.
The Pacers are coming off a 123-112 preseason victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 7. Their next test is a home matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on October 10, part of their final preparations for the regular season.
Nash's confidence starts with Tyrese Haliburton. The All-NBA guard's recovery from a torn Achilles suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals is the central storyline for Indiana. "First, Hali(burton) needs to be flying by the playoffs, which I think is totally in play for him," Nash said. His return to peak form directly impacts the team's ceiling.
But the roster changes matter, too. Nash highlighted the acquisition of traditional center Ivica Zubac. The move reshapes the frontcourt with size, rebounding, and an interior presence the Pacers have lacked. "They have to figure out Zu's relationship with the team, which I think is totally in play for them," Nash noted. He dismissed concerns about spacing issues, calling Zubac "an excellent player" who will help.
Integrating Zubac while managing Haliburton's workload is the primary task for head coach Rick Carlisle. The preseason win over Minnesota offered a first look at the new combinations. Carlisle must find the right balance between Zubac's paint dominance and the pace-and-space system that fueled last season's run.
Haliburton's health isn't just about being on the court. It's about regaining his elite burst, playmaking vision, and three-point shooting. Every practice and preseason minute is a step in that process. The team's offensive flow depends on it.
The immediate focus is the final preseason contest against the Atlanta Hawks. It's one more chance to experiment with lineups and build chemistry before the games start to count. After that, the real work begins in the Eastern Conference, where the Pacers will aim to prove Nash's prediction right.
Nash's endorsement isn't just nostalgia. It's a recognition of the roster's talent and the potential for growth. If Haliburton returns to form and Zubac fits seamlessly, Indiana has the pieces for another deep playoff run. The journey continues with the Hawks on October 10.
