Indiana Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton made a rare public appearance on Sunday, attending WWE SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey while still using crutches. His presence ringside came months after suffering a significant injury, as he was seen wearing a walking boot and moving cautiously, reflecting his ongoing Tyrese Haliburton Achilles recovery.
Scott Agness of The Fieldhouse Files shared footage of Haliburton at the event, highlighting the player’s noticeable limp as he navigated the arena. Despite the crutches, there was debate about how much support Haliburton genuinely required for walking at the moment.
Haliburton’s Unexpected Role in WWE Action
During the evening, WWE star John Cena used Haliburton’s crutches as part of his undisputed title match against Cody Rhodes. Haliburton, a committed wrestling fan since childhood, appeared to enjoy being part of the spectacle by lending Cena the crutches as a prop in the match, connecting his love for wrestling with his current recovery stage.
How the Achilles Injury Impacted the Pacers’ Season
The Indiana Pacers experienced a devastating blow in their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years this June when Haliburton ruptured his Achilles tendon early in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He collapsed on the court in the opening quarter, abruptly ending his role in the critical contest. Without Haliburton, the Pacers’ offense faltered in the second half despite the efforts of Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell to carry the team.
Coach Rick Carlisle’s system saw Nembhard and McConnell taking control, but the offense struggled to maintain cohesion and momentum in pivotal moments, ultimately contributing to the team’s defeat. Haliburton’s absence leaves a significant gap in Indiana’s lineup moving forward.
The Road Ahead for the Pacers Without Haliburton
The Pacers have already ruled Tyrese Haliburton out for the entire 2025-26 season as he continues to heal from his Achilles rupture. With Haliburton sidelined, Andrew Nembhard is expected to step up as the starting point guard, supported by T.J. McConnell as the primary backup. While Nembhard is a capable two-way player and a supplementary playmaker, questions remain about whether he can handle lead responsibilities as effectively as Haliburton did during high-pressure situations.
Indiana’s future success hinges in part on how well these players adjust in Haliburton’s absence, and the team’s handling of this challenge will be critical as it seeks to build on its recent strong performances despite serious setbacks.
The Broader Context of Haliburton’s Achilles Recovery
Tyrese Haliburton’s injury has caused widespread concern among fans and analysts alike, given his vital role in the Pacers’ recent surge. His recovery process and eventual return will be closely watched by the basketball community, as the team’s prospects without him are uncertain. Meanwhile, his appearance at SummerSlam serves as a poignant reminder of his ongoing rehabilitation and desire to stay connected to fan moments, even while sidelined.
“During John Cena’s undisputed title match against Cody Rhodes, Cena utilized Haliburton’s crutches as a weapon. Haliburton, a longtime wrestling aficionado, appeared happy to supply support to one of his childhood heroes.” —Scott Agness, The Fieldhouse Files