Tyrese Haliburton ready for NBA Opening Night
During Media Day, Pacers GM Chad Buchanan provided the latest update on Tyrese Haliburton and his return to the court
More than a year after suffering a torn Achilles during the 2025 Finals, Tyrese Haliburton finally appears ready to return to the court. Indiana Pacers GM Chad Buchanan confirmed it during Media Day: barring any setbacks, the player will be 100% available for Opening Night.
I think he’ll be 100% ready. We’ll rely on our medical staff if there’s a need to reduce his workload on any given day, but initially there will be no restrictions
Chad Buchanan
During the season without their star, Indiana didn’t stand still and built a significantly revamped roster ahead of Haliburton’s return. Alongside Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard, players such as Ivica Zubac, Larry Nance Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr. arrived, giving the Pacers new options on both ends of the floor.
However, it will take time to understand the new team’s true potential. Buchanan urged patience, explaining that it could take at least 25-30 games before the new group can be properly evaluated.
If we start slowly after 10 games, that won’t be a prudent way to evaluate this team
Chad Buchanan
Haliburton’s return will therefore only be the first step. The other major question will be how quickly he can develop the right chemistry with a roster that looks very different from the one that, in 2025, came within one step of an NBA championship.