When you think about the Indiana Pacers' journey to the NBA Finals last season, it's hard not to marvel at how they got there. Now, with star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined by injury, the big question is: what does this team need to do in the offseason to make another deep playoff run?

Former NBA champion and Pacers legend Metta World Peace has a clear answer. "Haliburton returning is going to be a massive help, obviously," he says. "But outside of that, I don't think they need much more because they have Coach Rick Carlisle."

World Peace points to Carlisle's ability to maximize his roster as the Pacers' secret weapon. "Coach Carlisle is really good at getting the best out of what he has. In fact, he's one of the best at this. You saw that during the team's run to the NBA Finals last season. On paper, I don't think they were a team that was capable of going as far as they did. But Carlisle got the best out of them, and he can spot holes in other teams."

He highlights the Pacers' hard-fought series against the Oklahoma City Thunder as a prime example. "Look at what he did against the Oklahoma City Thunder compared to how other teams have played against them. They pushed them all the way to Game 7."

Still, World Peace emphasizes that Haliburton's return is non-negotiable. "You definitely need Haliburton back, though. You can't go into a season without a player like him. Once he is back, you have him and Coach Carlisle. You're going to be good."

For Pacers fans, the recipe is simple: get your All-Star point guard healthy, trust your Hall of Fame coach, and this team has the ingredients to make noise once again.