​Amid the chaotic rush of NBA free agency, Tyrese Haliburton has largely stayed out of the spotlight. The two-time All-Star, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, remains focused on a return for the 2026-27 season. On Saturday, NBA insider Chris Haynes provided the latest update on Haliburton. While covering Las Vegas Summer League action, Haynes offered a health update during the Pacers’ third-quarter clash with the Philadelphia 76ers. “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 Haliburton will be available for Day 1 of the season opener for the 2026-27 season,” Haynes stated.
There was little debate about whether Haliburton would play the 2025-26 season. Immediately after his surgery, the Pacers announced that their star guard would sit out the entire campaign to rehab. Unlike the fanfare surrounding Jayson Tatum’s recovery in Boston, the Pacers and Haliburton prioritized his rehabilitation and off-court work. Throughout his rehab, the two-time All-NBA guard provided frequent updates on Instagram. About a month ago, he posted a video of his workouts, signaling it was Week 48 of his post-surgery program.
The Pacers are slated to begin training camp for the 2026-27 season on Sept. 29, giving Haliburton roughly 11 weeks to ramp up before the new campaign. Indiana’s record without the 26-year-old guard last season was a stark 19-63, the second-worst in the league, a stretch that underscored how pivotal Haliburton’s presence is when healthy. They did not land a lottery or first-round pick this year after their draft rights to the No. 5 pick, Keaton Wagler, were traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Ivica Zubac deal.
Despite the rough finish, the Pacers are projected to be playoff contenders again with Haliburton back in the lineup. In addition to Zubac, the club added veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr. and forward Larry Nance Jr. to bolster depth and scoring. A few familiar Pacers figures are also expected to return at full strength. Aaron Nesmith, who appeared in only 45 games last season, is anticipated to be ready for the season opener. Zubac himself has received clearance to play after limited action due to a rib fracture and a contusion; the seven-footer impressed for Croatia in the recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The last time Haliburton was healthy for Indiana, the team was near the top of the league, nearly upending the Oklahoma City Thunder for a title. Some believe Indiana could have won it all had Haliburton not endured his devastating injury, which altered the Pacers’ trajectory and left fans wondering what might have been. With Haliburton’s impending return in view, Indiana hopes to recapture that momentum and push for a deep playoff push in the 2026-27 season. For Pacers fans, the anticipation is high as a healthy Haliburton promises to elevate a roster that already added key pieces and is eager to reclaim its status as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.