The Indiana Pacers have officially addressed the situation surrounding star point guard Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, confirming that he could potentially miss the entire 2025 NBA season. Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the Finals, an injury that is among the most serious in professional sports. The team has stated that they do not expect him to return before the end of the season, as recovery from such an injury typically spans at least 12 months.
The severity of Haliburton’s injury has prompted the Pacers to secure a disabled player exception from the league. This allows the team to make roster adjustments while Haliburton is sidelined. Despite the grim prognosis, the Pacers are holding onto a glimmer of hope for his return.
“Receiving the exception doesn’t mean Tyrese can’t come back,” said assistant general manager Brian Wu. “It only indicates that, in most cases, this type of injury keeps a player out for the entire season. But if an extraordinary scenario occurs, he could return.” Both general manager Kevin Pritchard and Haliburton himself have emphasized that they are not banking on an early comeback, but they remain cautiously optimistic.
The NBA has seen notable recoveries from Achilles injuries in the past. For example, Jayson Tatum, who suffered a similar injury at the start of the playoffs, is already walking and may be available for the upcoming season. However, it’s essential to note that not all recoveries are the same. While advances in sports medicine have improved recovery times, returning to peak performance can be a different challenge altogether.
One of the most famous cases is that of Kobe Bryant, who made a remarkable return just eight months after tearing his Achilles in 2013. However, Bryant never fully regained the explosive athleticism that had characterized his game prior to the injury. This reality raises concerns for the Pacers regarding Haliburton’s potential return and long-term performance.
At only 25 years old, Haliburton is viewed as a cornerstone of the Pacers’ future. The organization faces a critical decision: to rush his return and risk long-term damage or to prioritize his complete recovery. Current indications suggest that the Pacers are committed to the latter, aiming to ensure Haliburton is fully healed before he returns to the rigors of NBA competition.
In the interim, the Pacers must strategize to remain competitive without their star point guard. The focus will be on finding ways to adapt and perform effectively as they await Haliburton’s return. The hope is that when he does come back, he will be fully prepared to contribute at the highest level.
As the Pacers navigate this challenging period, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts and how Haliburton’s recovery unfolds. The upcoming season promises to be a test of resilience for the Pacers, who must balance their immediate competitive needs with the long-term health of one of their most valuable players.