In a bold statement that has Pacers fans buzzing, team president Kevin Pritchard opened up about what might have been. Reflecting on the trade that brought center Isaiah Jackson to Indiana, Pritchard didn't hold back his belief that the team was on the verge of something special.

"When we made this deal, we asked ourselves: if it doesn't work out, are we going to be okay? And the answer is yes," Pritchard explained. "We've got our top seven or eight guys coming back, plus free agency ahead. This team deserves another shot."

The executive then made a claim that will spark debate among NBA circles. "Game 7 was tough to watch, but if Tyrese Haliburton doesn't get hurt, I honestly believe we win the championship. Maybe that sounds like wishful thinking, but I truly feel that way."

Pritchard emphasized the importance of the trade, noting that the team couldn't afford to pass up on a talent like Jackson. "We could have kept the pick and still had a major hole at the five position. That was a risk we weren't willing to take."

For Pacers fans still dreaming of that elusive title, Pritchard's words offer a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been—and hope for what's still to come.