Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton recently opened up about his journey through Achilles injury rehab following his torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Haliburton revealed he received a supportive visit from Kevin Durant, who experienced a similar injury in the 2019 NBA Finals.

Kevin Durant’s Visit Provides Encouragement

Haliburton described how Durant stopped by his home to offer advice and encouragement during this challenging time.

“KD actually came and visited me the other day, came to my house, which is pretty cool,”

Haliburton said.

“We sat down for a while, just talked, it was pretty cool.”

This one-on-one meeting brought a rare moment of positivity amid the difficult recovery process.

Mental Resilience, Staying Connected, and Focus on Recovery

Haliburton has been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season as he focuses on rehabilitation and returning to full form. He emphasized the importance of mental health as he navigates the long road ahead, relying on his support system and staying active to ward off negative thoughts.

“I think for me, it’s about trying to get my mental right. I go to all the Fever games, I try to just figure out things to do to keep my mind off things,”

he shared.

Despite the difficulty of coping with the uncertainty after being so close to an NBA championship, Haliburton is determined to confront the challenges ahead.

“I’m gonna fight like hell to get back and hopefully have this opportunity to win a championship again, but that’s not guaranteed. That feeling definitely sits with me sometimes, and that sucks,”

he admitted.

“But I can’t really control the past, I can’t control what’s to happen in the future. All I can do is attack this rehab the best I can and figure it out that way.”

The Road Ahead: Perseverance Amid Uncertainty

Haliburton’s candid reflections highlight the emotional toll of a severe injury, especially when aspirations of championship glory are disrupted. The support from veterans like Durant and a focus on mental well-being offer critical assets during his rehabilitation. His mindset underscores a commitment to facing the recovery process with determination, while accepting the unknowns that lie ahead in his professional basketball career.