​CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 3: Tyrese Haliburton, wearing number 0 for the Indiana Pacers, looks on during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This photo carries Getty Images’ license terms, and by downloading or using it, the user agrees to the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers’ optimism about Tyrese Haliburton’s recovery continues to grow. A day after coach Rick Carlisle offered an encouraging progress update, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on Saturday that league sources believe Haliburton is on track to be available for the Pacers’ 2026-27 season opener after missing the entire previous season with a torn right Achilles tendon.
During NBA TV’s Summer League broadcast of Indiana’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Las Vegas, Haynes delivered what is arguably the strongest signal yet that the franchise point guard’s return could coincide with opening night. “Tyrese Haliburton, as we know, suffered a gruesome Achilles injury, an Achilles tear during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals,” Haynes said. “He 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 2026-27 season.”
For a team built around its All-NBA floor general, the report reinforces growing confidence that Haliburton—one of the NBA’s premier point guards—could be nearing a full return. Carlisle had offered perhaps his most optimistic public assessment to date during Friday’s NBA Summer League broadcast, noting that Haliburton “is doing well” and has been playing 5-on-5 for a long time. While he stopped short of guaranteeing readiness for opening night, Carlisle’s remarks strongly suggested the rehabilitation process had entered its final stages. Haynes’ subsequent report a day later appeared to bolster that belief.
Haliburton has been steadily trending toward confidence about his health. In June, speaking with local reporters at a community event in Indiana, the two-time All-Star described himself as feeling healthier than he had in quite some time. “I feel great. Body feels great. I’m able to do everything,” Haliburton said. “I feel like I’m operating like I’m a healthy NBA player—for the first time in a long time, which is exciting.” The Achilles tear he suffered occurred just seven minutes into Game 7 of the 2025 Finals, a setback that sidelined him for an entire season and left him focused on a meticulous and comprehensive rehabilitation process. As the Pacers prepare for the 2026-27 season, Haliburton’s anticipated return looms large, with fans and teammates hoping to see him back on the floor at the season’s start.