Indiana Pacers Tyrese Haliburton
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Indiana Star Tyrese Haliburton gives an update on Achilles Injury.
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has been out of the limelight since he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA finals on June 22.
The 25-year-old guard recently spoke with WFRVLocal5’s Kyle Malzhan at his youth basketball camp on August 15 and provided an update on his Achilles.
“It’s been up and down, but I am finally walking without the use of crutches or a scooter or anything,” Haliburton said. “That’s exciting for me. I wanted to make sure I was able to at least walk a little bit by the time I was able to be here.”
#Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton spoke to local Wisconsin media during his youth basketball camp at Oshkosh North about his Achilles recovery.
Haliburton is able to walk in a boot without a scooter or crutches. In the next couple weeks, he's expecting to be walking with shoes. pic.twitter.com/8an9YrhlQF
— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) August 15, 2025
Achilles Recovery
While Haliburton’s injury received a lot of national attention, he wasn’t the only player to tear his Achilles this season. During the 2024-25 NBA season, seven players tore their Achilles.
James Wiseman (October), Isaiah Jackson (November), Dru Smith (Dec), and Dejounte Murray (Jan) all suffered the injury during the first half of the season. In addition, Damian Lillard (April) and Jayson Tatum (May) suffered the same devastating injury.
Although Haliburton is only a little over a month in the recovery process, he remains optimistic. In his conversation with WFRVlocal5’s Malzhan, he explained the steps he is taking as he recovers.
“Every couple of weeks is kind of like a new achievement, I guess, in terms of my recovery,” Haliburton said. “I think over the next couple of weeks, will get closer to me being able to wear shoes full-time without a boot and being able to walk and stuff like that.”
“I have a great medical team behind me, that’s really helping me get things done, and I’m progressing as well as I can right now.”
Indiana: Trust the Process
Haliburton, who will miss the entire 2025-26 season, is taking his recovery one day at a time. He explained to WFRVlocal5 that he understands that the process to recover can take well over a year.
The Indiana star expressed his confidence in his medical team and their around-the-clock treatment and schedule. This season, he averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists while shooting 38.8% from three.
Even if Haliburton doesn’t return until midway through the 2026-27 season, the Eastern Conference has taken a step back. With the injuries to Tatum and Lillard signing with the Portland Trail Blazers, the power of the East has shifted.
In Spite of the injury, Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Prichard was optimistic about the franchise’s future. He spoke to the media on July 7 and expressed his confidence in Haliburton’s return.
“No doubt that he will be back better than ever,” Prichard said.
Indiana Offseason
When the 6-foot-5 guard returns to the lineup, he will be without Myles Turner, who capitalized on free agency.
After ten seasons in Indiana, Turner signed a four-year, $107 million deal with the Bucks on July 7. In Prichard’s July 7 press conference, he spoke highly of Turner while looking positively into the future.
“I think he’s one of the best players that’s ever played here,” Pritchard said. “I’d put him right up there. 10 years. Change is inevitable in this sport.”
Regardless of what the roster looks like in Indiana, change is coming. However, Haliburton could be back at some point in the 2026-27 season.