NBA Central Division Outlook Shifts After Achilles Injuries, Key Free Agent Moves

Significant injuries to star players and a flurry of offseason moves have dramatically reshaped the competitive landscape of the NBA’s Central Division heading into the 2024-25 regular season.

The Indiana Pacers face major hurdles after losing both Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles tendon tear sustained during the NBA Finals and seeing Myles Turner depart for the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. Milwaukee facilitated the addition of Turner by waiving Damian Lillard, who also suffered an Achilles injury during a first-round playoff loss. Indiana’s head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “There will be some adjustments as we start and keep moving forward…Tyrese is really such an unusually important player to us.” This upheaval comes as teams prepare for a season where maintaining player health is paramount to championship contention.

With Indiana’s diminished roster, the Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the clear favorites to secure a second consecutive Central Division title. Led by two-time All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers finished last season with a 64-18 record, topping the Eastern Conference. Coach Kenny Atkinson expressed confidence, saying, “We’re here with renewed energy because we know the talent we have…We know we’re in that group of four to six that have a chance at winning this thing.” Cleveland has also bolstered its bench with additions like Lonzo Ball, though they will be without Darius Garland and Max Strus for the start of the season due to injury.

The Milwaukee Bucks are banking on a revamped roster, centered around Giannis Antetokounmpo, to overcome three straight first-round playoff exits. General Manager Jon Horst believes the team is now “faster, more athletic, more versatile offensively and defensively suited,” and aims to replicate the success they found when Lillard was sidelined last season. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls are focused on continued development and building for the future, with Detroit looking to build on a surprising turnaround and Chicago maintaining a patient approach. You can find more information about the NBA’s Central Division on the official NBA website.

Officials indicated that teams will continue to monitor player health closely throughout the season, with the hope of avoiding further injuries that could impact playoff positioning.