Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers’ promising young star, was seen wearing a large medical boot as he supported his team’s Summer League in the aftermath of his serious Achilles injury sustained during the 2025 NBA Finals. The injury, which occurred in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, has put a major pause on Haliburton’s season and triggered a challenging recovery process.
Supporting the Team While Recovering from Achilles Surgery
During the NBA Finals, Haliburton was a central figure for the Pacers, pushing the team to extend their series against the Thunder to a decisive seventh game. Despite battling a right calf strain throughout the Finals, Haliburton’s resilience stood out until tragedy struck early in the final game. The 25-year-old guard suffered a torn Achilles, abruptly ending his season and the Pacers’ championship hopes.
Following the injury, Haliburton underwent surgery with Dr. Martin O’Malley at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery and began recovery using a knee scooter. He recently made an appearance at the Pacers Summer League practice camp, arriving on the scooter and wearing a substantial boot reaching just below his knee. Throughout the visit, Haliburton remained positive, smiling as he watched and encouraged his teammates.
This injury is expected to sideline Haliburton for eight to ten months, meaning he will likely miss the majority of the first half of the 2025-26 NBA season. Nevertheless, his determination and focus on rehabilitation demonstrate his intention to return to peak performance quickly, inspired by the relentless spirit of Kobe Bryant during his comeback journey.
Emotional Reflections Shared After Surgery
Shortly after his operation, Haliburton expressed the emotional weight of his situation on social media. Posting a photo from his hospital bed with his hands forming a heart, he wrote:
Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown.
—Tyrese Haliburton, NBA player
He continued to reveal the depth of his frustration and mental struggle, stating:
The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense. Now that I’ve gotten surgery, I wish I could count the number of times people will tell me I’m going to ‘come back stronger’…. My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what’s hurting most I think is my mind.
—Tyrese Haliburton, NBA player
Finally, Haliburton apologized to the Indiana fanbase and shared a message of resilience and hope, promising a determined return:
Watch how I come back from this. So, give me some time, I’ll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton.
—Tyrese Haliburton, NBA player
Haliburton’s Stellar Performance Before Injury
Before this devastating setback, Haliburton was a major contributor for the Pacers in the 2024-25 season. Averaging 33.6 minutes per game, he posted 18.6 points per game, alongside impressive playmaking with 9.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds on average. Over the course of the season, he accumulated 1,359 points, 673 assists, and 258 rebounds, solidifying himself as a true game-changer for Indiana.
The injury occurred at a moment when Haliburton’s leadership and skill had nearly lifted the Pacers to a rare NBA Finals championship, making the physical and emotional toll even more profound. His presence at the Summer League practice camp, despite his ongoing recovery, reflects his commitment to the team and the sport even while sidelined.
Looking Forward: Recovery and Return to the Court
Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury marks a significant challenge for both the player and the Pacers organization. Achilles recoveries are notoriously difficult, but Haliburton’s positive attitude and work ethic signal strong potential for a successful comeback. Monitoring his rehab progress will be crucial as the 2025-26 season approaches, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how quickly he can regain his high-level playmaking and scoring abilities.
Ultimately, Haliburton’s journey embodies perseverance through adversity, and his recent public appearances and messages reveal a focused mindset determined to overcome this setback. His recovery timeline places him out for most of the upcoming season, but the promise of his return offers hope for the Pacers’ future competitiveness and for Haliburton’s ongoing development as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.