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Haliburton Expects Unrestricted Return as Pacers Seek Revival
Indiana’s star guard says his Achilles recovery is complete, while Rick Carlisle will consult the training staff on his return.
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Haliburton confident in recovery
Tyrese Haliburton expects to return to the Indiana Pacers without restrictions after missing more than a year with a torn right Achilles. Speaking at the team’s Monday media day, the guard said he considers himself fully healthy and prepared for the season ahead. Haliburton’s injury came in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, when he attempted to compete through a calf strain during Indiana’s championship push. He then missed the entire 2025-26 season as the Pacers fell to a franchise-worst 19-63 record. His confidence in returning stems from the extensive work he has put into rehabilitation and preparing to play again.
Carlisle leaves room for caution
Coach Rick Carlisle offered an encouraging assessment but stopped short of matching Haliburton’s unconditional outlook. Carlisle said the training staff would help determine how the guard’s return is managed, with the pace guided by his recovery. Even with that caveat, Carlisle does not anticipate significant limitations, if any, following what he described as a strong recovery.
Indiana looks to rebound
Haliburton’s return gives the Pacers reason to pursue contention again after a difficult season without him. He rejoins a roster whose major addition during his absence was center Ivica Zubac, acquired in a deadline trade. For Indiana, the task now is to turn its star guard’s return and that roster addition into a rebound from a franchise-low campaign.
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