Tyrese Haliburton Ready for NBA Return After Achilles Injury

Tyrese Haliburton is eager to step back onto the court after spending a season on the sidelines due to a torn right Achilles tendon sustained during the 2025 NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers All-Star assured reporters he has been fully cleared to play and is free of any worries as the regular season’s October start approaches.

“I saw a report that was like, ‘sources telling me Tyrese will be healthy.’ I am the source, so I can tell you: I am healthy right now,” Haliburton joked during a recent media session.

Demonstrating his readiness, he confirmed, “I’m doing everything. I’m playing pickup pretty regularly at this point, so I feel great. I will be ready for the season. If the season was today, I’d be ready, so yeah, can’t come fast enough.”

As Haliburton re-enters practice sessions with the team, he will have new veteran teammates. The Pacers secured Kelly Oubre Jr. on a two-year, $16.5 million free-agent deal and acquired seasoned forward Larry Nance Jr. Haliburton expressed his enthusiasm about these additions,

“Kelly’s a guy I got to know from working with Drew Hanlan in the summer, so we’ve had a few workouts together, lifted together, all those things. He’s been annoying for me to go against throughout my career, so I’m excited for him to be on our side,” Haliburton said.

He believes Oubre will enhance both offensive and defensive performances, particularly by countering diverse opponents. Recognizing the East’s heavy wing presence, Haliburton identified the Philadelphia 76ers as a significant challenge owing to their strong roster.

Regarding Larry Nance Jr., Haliburton views him as a valuable addition for bolstering frontcourt depth. The Pacers also picked Purdue playmaker Braden Smith by trading with the Chicago Bulls for the 38th pick.

Haliburton memorably eliminated the New York Knicks from the 2025 NBA Playoffs before his injury. Watching the Knicks capture the championship in his absence has fueled his determination to lead the Pacers to more Eastern Conference victories.

Achieving this won’t be easy. The 76ers have strengthened their lineup with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, while the Miami Heat brought in former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Still, Haliburton is known for his ability to disrupt competitors’ plans with unexpected winning plays.