Getty
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 26: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers looks on after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the home opener at Target Center on October 26, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Pacers 114-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Before the season even started, the Indiana Pacers ruled out Tyrese Haliburton for the year. He tore his Achilles tendon on the last day possible last year. Having that injury so late in June made it impossible for him to return this year.
Haliburton has been working very hard to recover from his injury as quickly as possible. He is determined to be 100 percent healthy heading into next year. The team is looking towards next season as a chance to be a title contender again.
Just because Haliburton knows he can’t play this season doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to. He has seen two other players recover from Achilles tears last season and return to the floor, and he wants to join them.
Pacers Guard Tyrese Haliburton Wants to be Out on the Court
Haliburton posted a sad meme on social media for Pacers fans, referencing both Jayson Tatum and Dejounte Murray.
Tyrese Haliburton
This how I be watching Dejounte and JT hoop😂
Murray tore his Achilles in March of last season. He didn’t have much of an incentive to return this season with how poorly the Pelicans have played this year. They are one of the many teams tanking for a better draft spot. Despite this, he wanted to get back on the court.
Tatum tore his Achilles in the second round of the playoffs a year ago. Having him return at all this season is incredibly surprising. His return makes the Boston Celtics a true title contender once the postseason rolls around. Haliburton still remains out, though.
Damian Lillard is the other superstar player who tore his Achilles last season. He remains out for the year, although he did participate in the 3-point contest during the All-Star break. Haliburton has only been doing five-on-five for the last few weeks with some of the reserves on the team.
Indiana Should be a Title Contender Next Season
Next year should be a much different experience for the Pacers. With Haliburton back in the fold next year, the offense should be much stronger. Without Haliburton, the Pacers have the worst offense in the entire NBA. Scoring points has been very tough.
The addition of Ivica Zubac should help fix the biggest hole on the roster. Zubac has finally played the last couple of games after missing almost a month with an ankle injury. He will help Indiana rebound better and score in the post. He’s a solid defender, as well.
Getting a top-four pick is also key to the Pacers becoming a championship contender next year. They need to have their pick fall in the 1-4 range for them to keep it. Indiana has never had the number-one pick in their history. This would be a great time for them to get it.
Haliburton has been with the team most of the year, although he has been away from them in recent weeks because of a bout with shingles. He loves being around the team and he has been learning from the sidelines, which should help him see things on the court even better next year.