Tyrese Haliburton has identified bad luck as the primary cause behind the recent increase in Achilles injuries across the NBA. The Indiana Pacers guard suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals, where Indiana was defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder. This injury is expected to keep him sidelined for the full 2025-26 season, underscoring the severity of the current injury trend.
Other prominent players, including Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard, now with the Portland Trail Blazers after his release from the Milwaukee Bucks, have also suffered similar Achilles injuries. Both athletes face long recovery timelines and are unlikely to return before the 2026-27 season. Despite these setbacks affecting high-profile stars, Haliburton rejects theories that point to overexertion or heavy game loads as contributors to this spike in injuries.
Haliburton Shares His Perspective on Injury Causes During ESPN Interview
On his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN, Haliburton addressed the wave of injuries by challenging common assumptions about why such incidents occur. He remarked,
“There’s a notion when guys get injured, or when this has happened so many times, everybody thinks that they have the answer to why this is happening,”
dismissing suggestions that heavy minutes or game volume are to blame.
Emphasizing the unpredictable nature of sports injuries, Haliburton said,
“I think injuries are just bad luck sometimes and that’s just what happened.”
His comments highlight how even elite athletes can be vulnerable to random misfortune, rather than preventable causes.
Details of Haliburton’s Injury and Team Performance
After being initially diagnosed with a calf strain following Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Haliburton played through Game 6, contributing 14 points to help the Pacers secure a victory. However, in Game 7, he experienced the devastating Achilles tear despite feeling confident aided by adrenaline.
The Indiana Pacers, who endured difficult seasons in Haliburton’s early years, have recently found success with winning records of 47-35 in 2023-24 and 50-32 in 2024-25. His absence will be a significant loss, with the team facing the challenge of competing without one of their key players in the coming season.
Haliburton’s Plan for Rehabilitation and Mental Growth
Although unable to play, Haliburton is committed to using his downtime constructively by deepening his basketball knowledge under veteran coach Rick Carlisle. He explained,
“I think I want to take this time to keep growing my mind for the game,”
signaling a focus on mental development during recovery.
He intends to participate in coaches’ meetings and support his teammates from the sidelines once he regains mobility. His approach shows a dedication to contributing to the team‘s progress despite being physically sidelined, reflecting resilience amid adversity.