When Is Tyrese Haliburton Coming Back? Latest Update On Pacers Star’s Achilles Tear Ahead Of 2026-27 Season
Amid the frenzied NBA free agency, Tyrese Haliburton has stayed out of the spotlight. The two-time All-Star, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, continues to work his way back for a 2026-27 season return.
On Saturday, NBA insider Chris Haynes gave the latest intel on Haliburton.
Tyrese Haliburton Return Timeline: Latest on Pacers Star’s Achilles Recovery
Haynes, like most NBA analysts, is covering the Las Vegas Summer League games. In the third quarter of the Pacers’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the reporter shared an update on Haliburton’s status.
“Tyrese Haliburton sat out all of last season, but there is good news. League sources have informed me that the Indiana Pacers are extremely optimistic that Haliburton will be available for Day 1 of the season opener for the 2026-27th season,” Haynes said.
There wasn’t much consternation or speculation about whether Haliburton would play the 2025-26 season. Right after his surgery, the Pacers promptly announced that their star guard would sit out the entire campaign for rehab.
Unlike in Boston, where there was much anticipation about Jayson Tatum’s return from the same injury, the Pacers and Haliburton focused on his recovery and off-court work.
Throughout his rehab, the two-time All-NBA gave frequent updates on Instagram. Roughly a month ago, he shared a video of his workouts, indicating it was week 48 of his post-surgery program.
The Pacers are scheduled to open training camp for the 2026-27 season on Sept. 29, giving Haliburton about 11 weeks for further preparation.
Without the 26-year-old guard this past season, Indiana finished with a 19-63 record, the second-worst in the NBA. They failed to acquire a lottery or first-round pick after their draft rights to the No. 5 pick (Keaton Wagler) were traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Ivica Zubac trade.
Still, the Pacers are projected to be playoff contenders again with Haliburton back. Besides Zubac, the team added Kelly Oubre Jr. and Larry Nance Jr.
A few Pacer staples will also return healthy. Aaron Nesmith, who was limited to 45 games this past season, is expected to be ready for the new season opener.
Zubac also has the green light to suit up after playing only five games due to a fractured rib and a contusion. The 7-foot big man impressed for Croatia during the recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The last time the Pacers had a healthy Haliburton on the roster, they nearly topped the Oklahoma City Thunder for the championship. Some would argue that they could have won the title had it not been for his gruesome injury.
With the agonizing past in the rearview mirror, the Pacers are looking forward to a new season with their franchise cornerstone back.
