Indiana Pacers Tyrese Haliburton Makes Shocking Admission On When He Plans To Return To The Court

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton provided a detailed update on his recovery process during a recent appearance on the Impaulsive podcast, offering fans their first clear timeline for his return to NBA action. The All-Star point guard suffered a devastating right Achilles tear during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, an injury that will sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season.

Haliburton’s candid discussion about his rehabilitation journey provides insight into one of basketball’s most challenging injuries and its impact on both player and franchise. His recovery timeline and mental approach offer a glimpse into the reality facing professional athletes dealing with career-threatening injuries.

Indiana Pacers Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

The injury occurred on June 22, 2025, during the most crucial game of Haliburton’s career. The 25-year-old guard tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, ending not only the Pacers’ championship hopes but also beginning a long road to recovery for their franchise cornerstone.

“Basically, from the injury, I think 15 months until I play my next game,” Haliburton revealed during the podcast. This timeline would put his return somewhere around September or October 2026, effectively ruling him out for the entire 2025-26 season and potentially the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

Achilles injuries are among the most serious setbacks an athlete can face, particularly for basketball players who rely heavily on explosive movements, jumping, and quick direction changes. The typical recovery timeline for Achilles tears ranges from 12 to 18 months, making Haliburton’s 15-month projection realistic but aggressive for a player of his caliber and importance to his team.

The mental aspect of recovery has become a significant focus for Haliburton. “A lot of like journaling. Just like kind of writing stuff down, getting thoughts out. All those things have definitely been good,” he explained, highlighting the psychological challenges that accompany such devastating physical injuries.

Haliburton’s approach to mental health during his recovery demonstrates the evolution of professional sports medicine and athlete wellness. Modern rehabilitation programs increasingly emphasize psychological support alongside physical therapy, recognizing that mental resilience plays a crucial role in successful returns from major injuries.

The Impact on the Pacers’ 2025-26 Season

Haliburton’s absence creates a massive void for the Indiana Pacers, who had established themselves as legitimate championship contenders before his injury. The loss extends beyond statistics and on-court production to fundamental team identity and competitive ceiling.

During the 2024-25 season, Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while earning All-NBA Third Team honors. His playmaking ability and court vision were instrumental in the Pacers’ surprising run to the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks before falling to Oklahoma City.

The timing of Haliburton’s injury compounds the Pacers’ challenges for the upcoming season. Indiana also lost center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, removing another key piece from their Finals roster. These departures transform the Pacers from championship contenders to a rebuilding franchise in a single offseason.

Without their primary facilitator and offensive catalyst, Indiana faces questions about their offensive system and identity. Haliburton’s ability to create shots for teammates and control game tempo made him irreplaceable in coach Rick Carlisle’s schemes. The team will need to fundamentally restructure their approach while hoping to remain competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference.

The financial implications are equally significant. Haliburton will earn $45.6 million during the 2025-26 season while unable to contribute on the court. His five-year, $244 million extension signed in July 2023 represents a substantial investment in a player who won’t be available for at least one full season.

Looking Ahead to Haliburton’s Return

Despite the lengthy recovery timeline, there are reasons for optimism regarding Haliburton’s eventual return. His age works in his favor, as 25-year-old athletes typically respond better to major injuries than older players. Modern sports medicine and rehabilitation techniques have also improved outcomes for Achilles injuries significantly over the past decade.

Haliburton’s career trajectory before the injury suggests he possesses the work ethic and basketball IQ necessary for a successful comeback. Since joining Indiana in the February 2022 trade from Sacramento, he has averaged 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 10.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while establishing himself as one of the league’s premier point guards.

The two-time All-Star’s playing style may actually benefit his recovery process. Unlike players who rely primarily on athleticism, Haliburton’s game is built around court vision, passing ability, and basketball intelligence—skills that typically remain intact after major injuries. His shooting touch and decision-making abilities should translate well upon his return.

The Indiana Pacers organization will need to balance patience with competitive urgency as they navigate Haliburton’s recovery. The franchise has invested heavily in their young core, and maintaining that foundation while waiting for their star’s return presents both challenges and opportunities for player development.

The Broader Context of Achilles Injuries in Basketball

Haliburton’s injury joins a long list of significant Achilles tears that have impacted NBA careers. Players like Kevin Durant, Demarcus Cousins, and Kobe Bryant have all faced similar challenges, with varying degrees of success in their returns. Modern medical advances and rehabilitation protocols have improved outcomes, but each case remains unique.

The NBA community will closely monitor Haliburton’s recovery process, as his eventual return could provide valuable insights into treating and managing such injuries. His openness about the mental health aspects of recovery may also help other athletes facing similar challenges.

For basketball fans, Haliburton’s absence represents the loss of one of the game’s most exciting young talents during what should have been his prime years. His return in 2026-27 will be one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent NBA history.