Tyrese Haliburton’s injury in Game 7 of last year’s NBA Finals was the kind of moment that sticks with you - not just because of what it meant for the Indiana Pacers, but because of what it meant for Haliburton himself. After orchestrating one of the most electrifying postseason runs in recent memory, the Pacers’ star guard saw his season - and Indiana’s title hopes - end with a torn Achilles just minutes into the biggest game of his life.
It was a gut punch. Haliburton had already been battling a calf injury suffered in Game 5, but fought through it to help Indiana force a decisive Game 7.
That resilience gave fans hope - maybe even belief - that he could will the team to the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship. But just a few possessions into the final game, disaster struck.
The Pacers would go on to lose, but the real loss was seeing their leader helped off the floor in visible pain, knowing the road back would be long.
Now, Haliburton is beginning that road - and he’s showing signs of life.
The 23-year-old recently posted a montage of his rehab work, offering a glimpse into his recovery process. While he’s not at full speed yet, there’s real progress. The movements are sharper, the confidence is returning, and most importantly, Haliburton looks like a player determined to get back to where he was - and beyond.
He also opened up about the journey during a recent appearance on LeBron James’ podcast, offering fans an honest, encouraging update. According to Haliburton, he’s already participating in full-court 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 drills - a major milestone for any player coming off an Achilles tear.
“Man, I feel really good,” Haliburton said. “My body feels really good.
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton looking good in this latest workout tape in the gym 👀
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 28, 2026
(via @Hali)pic.twitter.com/StwxtLOoSk
I just started playing 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 full court. That’s been good to be with the [player development] interns and stuff.”
He added a bit of humor, too - the kind of self-awareness and humility that’s made him such a beloved figure in Indiana. “It’s been funny because as I’ve started playing with the interns and [assistant coach] Jannero Pargo… I’m like, ‘Ooh, I can play in an NBA game right now.’
I’m guarding Benn [Bennedict Mathurin]… He hesi’d me one time. He was at the rim, I was still at the 3-point line.
I was like, ‘Ohhh.’ I still got some time.”
That kind of honesty - acknowledging the gap between rehab drills and real NBA game speed - speaks volumes. Haliburton knows he’s not there yet, but he’s also not pretending to be. He’s putting in the work, and he’s finding joy in the process, even when it humbles him.
As for the Pacers, they’re in a tough spot. Sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with an 11-36 record, this season has turned into more of a developmental year than a competitive one.
That reality gives Haliburton and the team some flexibility. There’s no rush to push him back into action before he’s truly ready.
He could return for a few games late in the season, but with no playoff chase in sight, the priority is long-term health - not short-term optics.
Still, seeing Haliburton back on the court in any capacity is a win. For the Pacers.
For the fans. For the league.
Because when he’s healthy, Tyrese Haliburton is one of the most dynamic playmakers in basketball - a floor general with vision, pace, and a flair for the moment. And while the Finals didn’t end the way he or Indiana hoped, his story is far from over. In fact, the next chapter might be even better.