In a significant blow to the Indiana Pacers and their aspirations, star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is set to miss the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season. The team confirmed the devastating news following an Achilles tendon tear Haliburton suffered in the decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The injury occurred after Haliburton had been playing through a calf strain, a testament to his commitment, but ultimately with a severe consequence.
An Achilles tendon rupture is among the most challenging injuries for an athlete, known for its lengthy and arduous recovery period. While the Pacers did not initially provide a specific timeline post-surgery, the expectation has now solidified: Haliburton is not anticipated to return to competitive play until late in 2026, marking roughly an eighteen-month absence from the court from the point of injury.
Haliburton himself addressed the fans after his surgery, expressing regret and determination. “Indy, I`m sorry,” he conveyed, acknowledging the fanbase`s support. He emphasized a collective fight to return and overcome this obstacle, drawing inspiration from the legendary Kobe Bryant`s perspective on facing a similar challenge – viewing it not as a tragedy but a call to work with the same belief and drive as ever. This mindset underscores the mental fortitude required for such a comeback.
Remarkably, Haliburton was not the sole high-profile player to suffer an Achilles tear during the physically demanding 2025 postseason. Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum and seasoned veteran Damian Lillard also faced the same unfortunate fate, highlighting the brutal physical toll extracted at the pinnacle of the sport. Definitive return timelines for these players also remain uncertain.
Prior to this injury, Haliburton was in the midst of what many observers described as a legendary individual playoff performance. His ability to deliver in clutch moments was on full display, marked by buzzer-beating shots across multiple series. Even in the ill-fated Game 7, he started strong, sinking three 3-pointers in the first quarter before his night, and ultimately, his season, came to an abrupt end. His playoff averages, excluding that final partial game, stood at an impressive 17.7 points and 9.0 assists.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle voiced the team`s reaction to the injury, stating, “What happened with Tyrese is — all of our hearts dropped.” However, he maintained confidence in Haliburton`s resilience and future. “He will be back… I believe he`ll make a full recovery,” Carlisle affirmed, recognizing the extraordinary nature of Haliburton`s playoff run as “something that no one has ever seen.”
The injury casts a long shadow over the upcoming season for the Pacers. While Haliburton`s statistics in the preceding regular season (18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds) saw a slight dip from his previous All-Star campaigns, he still earned an All-NBA Third Team selection, underscoring his continued elite status. His absence leaves a significant void in playmaking, scoring, and leadership.
The road back from an Achilles tear is notoriously long and challenging, demanding immense dedication to rehabilitation. For Tyrese Haliburton, the focus now shifts from the competitive fire of the NBA court to the painstaking process of recovery, with the goal of returning stronger and reclaiming his place among the league`s elite in late 2026.
Jasper Hawthorne