Tyrese Haliburton announced on Sunday that he feels "great" and is on track to rejoin the Indiana Pacers next season, after battling an Achilles tear, shingles and a 10‑pound weight gain.
What did Haliburton reveal?
At a Carmel youth camp, Haliburton told reporters he can now play without answering health questions from the organization. He highlighted that his eyebrows have grown back, his face is no longer swollen, and his right leg feels fully recovered. The former All‑NBA Third Team guard said he can "operate like a healthy NBA player" and is ready for full‑court action.
How did the injury affect the Pacers?
The Pacers fell from a Finals appearance in 2025 to a 19‑63 record in 2025‑26, the worst in franchise history. Without Haliburton, they missed the lottery, landing the No. 5 pick that was later traded to the LA Clippers for Ivica Zubac and Bennedict Mathurin. The roster now features Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Kobe Brown and new center Jay Huff.
What does the latest data say?
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Last result | Indiana Pacers 119‑118 Milwaukee Bucks (2025‑04‑29) |
| Recent form | 4W‑0D‑1L (WWLWW) – on a 2‑game winning run |
What lies ahead for Indiana Pacers?
Haliburton’s return coincides with a roster overhaul. The team lost Myles Turner to Milwaukee and swapped several pieces from the 2025 Finals run. Yet the core of Siakam and Nembhard remains, and the added Zubac gives a new interior presence. If Haliburton can match his 2024‑25 averages-18.6 points, 9.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game-the Pacers could climb out of the Eastern bottom quickly.
Why does this matter now?
The Pacers are currently riding a two‑game win streak, showing signs of life after a disastrous season. Haliburton’s health update adds confidence that the team’s offensive engine will be back in the paint and on the perimeter. Fans at the upcoming camp saw him run drills, toss passes and shoot, all without visible limitation. That visual cue may translate into a faster preseason integration and a stronger start to 2026‑27.
The next chapter for Indiana Pacers hinges on whether Haliburton can stay healthy and whether the new pieces click. With his statement, the narrative shifts from recovery to preparation, and the franchise now looks to rebuild around a restored playmaker.
