Indiana Pacers Star Guard Faces Crucial Season After Torn Achilles
Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton will have a lot to prove in the 2026-27 NBA season after missing the entirety of the '25-26 season due to a torn Achilles. His return to game action will be crucial for the team's future.
As the Indiana Pacers prepare for the 2026-27 NBA season, they will have a lot to prove. The same can be said for Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who will be returning to game action for Indiana after missing the entirety of the '25-26 season due to a torn Achilles. Last result: Indiana Pacers 94-105 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-04-10).
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report recently named the one player on every team in the league with the most to prove next season, and Haliburton was the pick for Indiana. Coming off of a major injury, Haliburton will have to prove that he's still the same player that he was before the injury. Indiana's future on a team largely hinges on his ability to do so.
"You wouldn't think a two-time All-NBA superstar who had already led his team to within a single win of a championship is all done proving himself, but Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles changed everything. His career now features a distinct before-and-after dividing line, and what he does from now on will probably be harder than what he's done before," Hughes wrote.
"The after' portion of his career matters so much because Haliburton's Indiana Pacers spent his year on the shelf acting as if he would be the same elite driver of offense he was before the injury. We'll see if Haliburton's form justifies that belief," Hughes added.
What happened?
Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles during the 2025-26 season, forcing him to miss the entire campaign. The injury was a significant setback for the Indiana Pacers, who had high hopes for their star guard.
Why it matters for Indiana Pacers
Haliburton's return to game action will be crucial for the Indiana Pacers. His ability to prove himself after a major injury will determine the team's future. Recent form (last 4): 1W-0D-3L (LWLL, most recent first).
What comes next?
The 2026-27 NBA season will be a crucial test for Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. The team will need to see if Haliburton's form justifies the high expectations placed on him. Only time will tell if Haliburton can prove himself after a torn Achilles.
