Tyrese Haliburton Eager for NBA Season After Injury

Tyrese Haliburton is gearing up for his return to the NBA after sitting out last season with a torn right Achilles tendon suffered during the 2025 NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers All-Star spoke to reporters about his readiness to hit the court for the upcoming season beginning in October.

‘I saw a report that said, “sources telling me Tyrese will be healthy.” I am the source. So I can tell you: I am healthy right now,’ Haliburton joked during a recent media session. He added, ‘I feel great. I’m doing everything. I’m playing pickup pretty regularly at this point. So I feel great. I will be ready for the season. If the season was today, I’d be ready.’

Haliburton’s return includes forming new connections with several veteran teammates acquired during the offseason. The Pacers signed free-agent wing Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year, $16.5 million deal, and also added veteran forward Larry Nance Jr. Haliburton expressed excitement about the additions to the roster.

‘Kelly’s a guy I got to know from working with Drew Hanlan in the summer. We’ve had a few workouts together, lifted together, all those things. He’s been annoying to go against throughout my career, so I’m excited for him to be on our side,’ Haliburton stated.

He believes Oubre will contribute significantly to the team on ‘both sides of the ball, but specifically, defensively.’ He noted the league and conference’s heavy wing presence, mentioning that while this was true with the Boston Celtics, it’s more so with the Philadelphia 76ers now. Haliburton sees Oubre as instrumental in facing top players, particularly those on the 76ers.

In discussing Larry Nance Jr., Haliburton highlighted the veteran’s role in strengthening the frontcourt depth. Joining Oubre and Nance is Purdue playmaker Braden Smith, whom the Pacers drafted after trading with the Chicago Bulls for the No. 38 pick.

Previously, Haliburton was key in eliminating the New York Knicks from the 2025 NBA Playoffs before his injury in the Finals. Witnessing the Knicks win the championship the following year has fueled his determination to return and guide his squad in the Eastern Conference.

Challenges lie ahead, particularly with the 76ers’ revamped lineup featuring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, and the Miami Heat’s addition of former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nonetheless, Haliburton has a reputation for surprising plays that often derails other teams’ hopes.