Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, a two-time All-NBA player, remains sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon sustained in Game 7 of the NBA Finals this past June. At 25 years old and standing 6-foot-5, Haliburton has been committed to his rehabilitation process. Despite the severity of an Achilles injury, head coach Rick Carlisle expressed optimism about Haliburton’s potential to return to his All-Star level of performance when he suits up again for the 2026-27 season.
During a recent radio interview on 107. FM Indiana The Fan’s Morning Show, Carlisle spoke to hosts James Boyd, Kevin Bowen, and Jeff Rickard about Haliburton’s progress. He highlighted the advancements in medical treatment and rehabilitation, suggesting that modern methods have significantly improved recovery outcomes for such injuries.
I don’t know, this is all going by fast. It’s been, maybe a month-and-a-half already, maybe a little more than that and this thing’s gonna fly by. This season coming up is gonna fly by. Time is flying by, and before you know it he’ll be back. Things are so cutting edge now [in] the medical world that these guys now don’t just recover from this kind of injury, they make a full recovery.
—Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers Head Coach
Supporting Rehabilitation Examples and Team Adjustments
Carlisle referred to other players recovering from Achilles injuries as examples of what might lie ahead for Haliburton. Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, both of whom suffered Achilles tears earlier in the season, have been diligently working through their rehab programs.
And so we’re seeing it with Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman,
Carlisle said.
Those guys are busting their butts during their entire rehab.
—Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers Head Coach
Following Jackson and Wiseman’s injuries, the Pacers traded for Thomas Bryant to fill the immediate gap at center. When Bryant’s consistency waned, Indiana added Tony Bradley late in the season. This off-season, Jay Huff was brought in, creating a strong rotation at the center position with the trio expected to fill the void left by former 3-and-D starting center Myles Turner.
Impact of Haliburton’s Absence on the Pacers’ Roster
Haliburton was a key contributor last season, averaging 18.6 points per game over 73 healthy regular-season appearances, with shooting splits of .473/.388/.851, alongside 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks on average. With his season lost to injury, the Pacers have turned to other players to manage his role, particularly in facilitating the offense.
Andrew Nembhard, initially a starting shooting guard, is transitioning to Haliburton’s point guard spot. While Nembhard offers stronger defensive capabilities, he does not match Haliburton’s playmaking skills. Meanwhile, Aaron Nesmith, a reliable 3-and-D wing who contributed quietly during the Pacers’ successful playoff run, may become a crucial scoring threat, especially in light of the team’s adjustment away from Haliburton’s distribution skills.
Alongside them, new starting shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin and three-time All-Star power forward Pascal Siakam are expected to carry significant responsibilities for Indiana’s offense and defense this season. Carlisle has yet to decide which center—among Jackson, Wiseman, and Huff—will assume the starting role as the team looks to stabilize the frontcourt.
Looking Ahead for Haliburton and the Pacers
Haliburton’s recovery from a torn Achilles will define much of the Pacers’ future fortunes. Achieving a full comeback could restore the team’s offensive rhythm and improve their competitive outlook. Carlisle’s confidence in the medical advances and the player’s dedication gives hope to Pacers fans anticipating Haliburton’s return.
The upcoming 2025-26 season will be a test of depth and adaptability for Indiana, as the supporting cast steps up to cover the gap while Haliburton undergoes rehabilitation. If he returns to form in 2026-27, the team will regain a dynamic playmaker and leader capable of elevating their standing in the league once more.