Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has been out of action since Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, when he tore his Achilles tendon just seven minutes into the match. Ever since, it’s been a long road to recovery for the young star, requiring months of work, rest, and patience as he attempts to regain his pre-injury form.
While it hasn’t always been easy, the progress has been steady, and Haliburton is finally starting to feel like himself again. Recently, in a chat during his fifth annual youth basketball camp in Indiana, he gave the latest update on his condition, revealing just how far he’s come after such a difficult stretch.
“I feel great,” said Haliburton, via Scott Agness. “I look back at videos of me, and I can see how swollen my face is. I’m glad that’s beyond me now. I feel great. Body feels great. I’m able to do everything. I feel like I’m operating like I’m a healthy NBA player, for the first time in a long time, which is exciting. The fact that I’m able to come here without having to answer questions from the organization about my health means the world to me, and it’s not something I take for granted after the last 12 months.”
Achilles tears are among the most devastating injuries in sports. While recovery times vary, it can take anywhere from six months to a year for players to regain full strength and mobility. Some athletes are never the same again, as we saw with Kobe Bryant toward the end of his career.
In Haliburton’s case, a return is still pending, but the signs are there that he can be just as effective when he re-takes the court. Using the advice of Kevin Durant (who made a full recovery from his Achilles tear) and others, Haliburton came to accept his situation and responded quickly by doubling down on his rehab efforts.
All the while, Indiana never tried to interfere with the process. Even as they kept losing games, they gave Haliburton the freedom to dictate his own recovery and worked with him to develop a meticulous plan. There were plenty of hiccups along the way (including a bout of shingles), but it seems the worst is behind them now.
Going into next season, the Pacers are poised to re-take their place near the top of the standings. Besides Hali’s return (averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game in 2024-25), they recently added Ivica Zubac to the fold, who will provide that crucial presence in the paint. There’s also the Pascal Siakam factor, who will be eager to lead the Pacers back to prosperity next season.
Finally, things are looking up for the Pacers after a miserable season. After coming so close to victory, they came crashing down hard, but Haliburton’s good health should put them right back in the title mix. The last time he was healthy, the Pacers were a force in the East, and there’s no reason to think they won’t be when he’s back in the fold.
