Tyrese Haliburton Injury Sidelines Him for Entire 2025-26 NBA Season
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton will officially miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season after suffering a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The news was confirmed Monday by Pacers President Kevin Pritchard, who emphasized the franchise will not rush the All-Star point guard back to the court.
“He will not play next year,” Pritchard said at a press conference. “We will not jeopardize that. Don’t get any hopes up that he will play.”
The 24-year-old underwent surgery on June 23, and while the operation was successful, the team is opting for a cautious approach as Haliburton enters a long and demanding rehab.
Pacers President Expects a Stronger Haliburton After Recovery
Despite the devastating blow, Pritchard expressed strong confidence in Haliburton’s eventual return, even predicting an All-NBA-level comeback.
“He plays best when he’s really hungry,” Pritchard said. “I expect great things—him being an All-NBA player and hitting big shots. We witnessed something in the Finals with clutch shot-making that I’d never seen before in the NBA.”
Known for his basketball obsession, Haliburton has remained deeply involved in team operations. He’s already participated in Summer League camp and may continue contributing off the court during his rehab.
“He’s going to have time to fill,” Pritchard joked. “I told him he’ll be my general manager for the next couple years, which will be a lot better than Chad [Buchanan].”
Coach Carlisle, Doctors Back Long-Term Recovery Timeline
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle echoed the sentiment in a radio interview on June 24, calling Haliburton’s absence “very likely.”
“This is going to be a long haul, a long road back,” Carlisle said on 107.5 FM. “Obviously, very unlikely that he’ll play at all next year.”
Dr. Patrick Kersey explained that Achilles injuries typically require 8 to 11 months of recovery. The tendon must be surgically reattached and then allowed to scar and heal, making it one of the more complex injuries in sports.
What’s Next for the Pacers?
With Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers are expected to start Andrew Nembhard at point guard and promote Bennedict Mathurin into the starting shooting guard role. Veteran T.J. McConnell will remain a key bench piece, while rookie Kam Jones—a second-round pick out of Marquette—will look to earn minutes behind them.
Despite the setback, Indiana’s young core remains intact. The team is counting on internal growth, veteran leadership, and long-term planning as it prepares for a year without its franchise centerpiece.
