Tyrese Haliburton Returns to Full-Contact Workouts, Eyes Long-Term Comeback
It’s been a long road back for Tyrese Haliburton, but the Pacers’ star guard is finally back doing what he loves - playing ball. Seven months after tearing his Achilles in Indiana’s heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Thunder, Haliburton is lacing up again for full-contact scrimmages, participating in three-on-three and four-on-four runs as part of his rehab process.
“I’m approaching week 31 here, so almost going on eight months,” Haliburton said during a recent appearance on Mind The Game with LeBron James. “Man, I feel really good. My body feels really good.”
That’s music to the ears of Pacers fans and team officials alike. Haliburton’s injury last spring was a gut punch - not just because of what it meant for Indiana’s playoff hopes, but because of what it took off the floor: one of the league’s most dynamic young playmakers. Now, with his return to live action (albeit in controlled settings), there’s real optimism that he’s on track to be ready for the 2026-27 season.
Haliburton’s been running with the Pacers’ player development staff and assistants, including former NBA guard Jannero Pargo. And while the competition might not be NBA-level intensity just yet, Haliburton’s feeling confident - maybe even a little too confident.
“I’m playing with these guys and I feel so nice,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Ooh, I can play in an NBA game right now.’”
But then came the wake-up call. When he got back on the court with teammates like Kam Jones, Ethan Thompson, and Bennedict Mathurin, the difference in speed and intensity was impossible to miss.
“First play, [Mathurin] comes down, hesi, shoots a three,” Haliburton recalled. “They’re like, ‘Go at him!’
He’s like, ‘Ah, his leg.’ I’m like, ‘Hey bruh, I’m fine.
Attack me like normal. I gotta see where I’m at.’
He hesi’d me one time. He was at the rim, I was still at the three-point line.
I was like, ‘Ohhh.’”
That moment of honesty - and humility - is exactly what makes Haliburton such a compelling figure in the league. He knows he’s not all the way back yet. But he also knows that getting there means embracing these growing pains, not avoiding them.
“I still got some time,” he said. “I gotta give myself some grace and understand it’s going to take some time.”
The Pacers had already ruled Haliburton out for the entire 2025-26 season, so there’s no rush to accelerate his timeline. But the fact that he’s progressing this well - and this early - bodes well for Indiana’s long-term outlook.
The team has struggled mightily this season, sitting near the bottom of the standings at 12-36. But with Haliburton’s return on the horizon and a top draft pick likely incoming, the foundation is still there for a bounce-back year in 2026-27.
Pacers Roster Note: Tony Bradley’s Contract Expires
Indiana now has an open spot on its 15-man roster after Tony Bradley’s second 10-day contract expired. If the Pacers want to keep him around, they’d have to sign him for the rest of the season - but for now, that’s not in the plans.
Expect the team to keep that spot open as the trade deadline approaches. It’s a smart bit of flexibility for a front office that may be looking to make moves.
Zach Collins Still Sidelined for Bulls
In Chicago, big man Zach Collins remains out with a toe injury that’s kept him off the floor since December 27. Head coach Billy Donovan said this week that Collins is still in a walking boot and will be reevaluated in two weeks. That’s not the kind of timeline that suggests a return is imminent.
Coby White Embracing Trade Rumors
Meanwhile, Bulls guard Coby White is taking all the trade chatter in stride. Speaking to The Chicago Tribune, White said he’s choosing to look at the rumors as a compliment, not a distraction.
“You’ve got to always look at it like - it’s good to be wanted, you know?” White said.
“But I don’t really know what’s going to happen. I don’t have any clue.
… I just want to see everybody succeed. Whatever direction they decide to go in or they’re deciding to go in, I want all these guys to succeed.
I got drafted here, so I want the organization to succeed. I hope it works out for them, whatever they decide.”
It’s a mature take from a player who’s grown into a key piece for Chicago. Whether he stays or goes, White’s development this season has been a bright spot for a franchise still trying to find its footing.
Court Concerns in Cleveland After Doncic Slip
And finally, in Cleveland, the raised court at Rocket Arena is once again under scrutiny after Luka Dončić slipped off the sideline and injured his lower left leg during a game on Wednesday night. Fortunately, it appears the Mavericks star avoided serious injury, but the incident has reignited concerns about the playing surface.
This isn’t the first time the court has been an issue. Back in 2023, Heat guard Dru Smith suffered a season-ending ACL tear after a similar slip, prompting Miami to raise the issue with the league. Now, with another star player shaken up, the conversation is heating up again.
“It is absolutely a safety hazard,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “And I don’t know why it’s still like that.
I don’t. You know, you can lodge formal complaints.
A lot of times you don’t see any change when you lodge a formal complaint.”
With player safety at the forefront of league discussions, this is a situation worth monitoring - especially if more incidents follow.