Where Haliburton and the Pacers rank in the current ranking of the top 100 NBA players

A week before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, The Ringer recently released its top 100 players for the upcoming season. To the delight of Indiana Pacers fans, they can see some of their players on the list. Additionally, every Pacer who made the list finished in the top 75.

The expectations for the Pacers are pretty high this season. Just months away from their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals in a decade, the Pacers want to show everyone that last season was no fluke and that they are legitimate championship contenders.

Additionally, the Pacers are trying to prove to everyone that they have a championship-caliber team as currently constructed. It’s not much (and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t mean anything), but the Pacers’ placement in the wrestling rankings should leave fans happy with their core.

Let’s take a look at each Pacer with a ranking and see where they rank compared to the rest of the league.

As he enters a contract year, Turner has been a mainstay in the Pacers’ lineup since the team drafted him in 2015. In addition, he has developed his game and is now one of the best offensive players in the NBA.

Turner is a crucial part of Indiana’s present and future. He is a two-time blocks champion and a 35.4% shooter from distance. Turner is an ideal midfielder for them as he can contribute on both ends of the pitch and stretch the floor for the rest of the team.

For comparison, The Ringer ranked Turner one spot above New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum and one spot below Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant.

On its own, Turner’s ranking as the 75th best player in the NBA isn’t bad. However, there are some questionable players ranked above him. Most notably, Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid reached No. 72 in the rankings. Additionally, Milwaukee Bucks big man Brook Lopez was ranked No. 70. None of the big men are bad at all. However, the decision to classify Turner among them is controversial.

Siakam’s placement on this list is a given. Since the Pacers acquired him mid-season last season, the former Toronto Raptors star has ignited the team on both ends of the court. He also played a big role in Indiana’s conference finals. During his brief time at Indiana last season, Siakam averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

With the 33rd overall pick, Siakam came one spot ahead of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young and one spot lower than New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. Both players are fantastic and there is no doubt that Siakam is in good company alongside them.

As he begins his first full season with the Pacers, Siakam will once again look to make an impact on the court. He’s already filling a veteran role, and overall, trading him has only paid off for Indiana so far.

Haliburton is coming off the best single season of his NBA career. Last season, the Wisconsin native not only led the Pacers to the conference finals, but also averaged 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and led the league with 10.9 assists per game. He also earned All-NBA honors for the first time and made the All-Star team for the second time in his career.

Beyond the NBA, Haliburton also won an Olympic gold medal while representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although Haliburton played a minimal role, he still became the first pacer since Paul George to achieve this milestone.

Haliburton’s 17th ranking places him one spot above Los Angeles Clippers star and two-time champion Kawhi Leonard and one spot below Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell. His ranking may seem a bit low, but it’s difficult to definitely rise above his peers who finished above him in the rankings.

Regardless, it’s an incredible sign for Haliburton considering he’s only 24 years old and may not even have reached his peak yet. Along with Siakam and Turner, Haliburton is critical to Indiana’s success, now and in the long term.