Tyrese Haliburton: “I feel like an NBA player again”
Tyrese Haliburton has completed his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon and is ready to return for the 2026-27 NBA season
One year after the devastating injury that derailed his season, Tyrese Haliburton has officially announced that his rehabilitation process is complete.
The Indiana Pacers point guard had been sidelined since the first quarter of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, when he suffered a complete tear of his Achilles tendon. Haliburton shared the latest update on his condition during his fifth annual youth basketball camp in Indiana.
Comments collected by reporter Scott Agness confirmed that the All-Star guard has returned to full basketball activity without any physical limitations.
I feel great. Looking back at old videos, I can see how swollen my face still was because of all the treatments, and I’m happy that’s behind me now. My body feels great, and I’m able to do everything on the court
Tyrese Haliburton
Recovering from an Achilles tendon injury is widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges in a professional athlete’s career, typically requiring anywhere from six to twelve months to fully regain explosiveness and mobility.
For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m moving and playing like a healthy NBA player again, and that’s exciting. Being able to attend this camp without constantly checking in with the team’s medical staff about how I’m feeling means a lot to me. After everything I’ve been through over the past year, I definitely don’t take that for granted
Tyrese Haliburton
Throughout his recovery, Haliburton leaned on advice from fellow NBA players who had overcome similar injuries, including Kevin Durant, while following a carefully structured rehabilitation program. His progress was also slowed by secondary health complications, including a bout with shingles, during which the Pacers chose not to rush his return, allowing him to manage his workload at his own pace.
As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, Haliburton’s return comes within a significantly reshaped roster.
Indiana’s front office strengthened its frontcourt by acquiring center Ivica Zubac, a move designed to add size and physicality in the paint, though it came at the cost of this year’s fifth overall draft pick.
The return of Haliburton, combined with the veteran leadership of Pascal Siakam and the team’s new tactical identity, is expected to be the biggest factor in the Pacers’ pursuit of a return to the top tier of the Eastern Conference.