Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the NBA Finals, team president Kevin Pritchard said Monday.
Indiana Pacers fans are still reeling from the team’s NBA Finals heartbreak—and now, the pain just got worse. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, an injury he suffered in Game 7 of the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 25-year-old two-time All-Star went down without contact in the first quarter of the do-or-die clash last month. The sight of Haliburton clutching his ankle in agony sent shockwaves through Gainbridge Fieldhouse and across the basketball world. He was immediately ruled out of the game, and the Pacers, unable to recover from the emotional and tactical blow, eventually fell 103-91 to the Thunder.
It marked a cruel end to what had been a historic season for Indiana and a breakout campaign for Haliburton, who had led the franchise to its first Finals appearance since the Reggie Miller era.
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard confirmed the devastating update in a recent interview with WISH-TV.
“The surgery went well,” Pritchard said. “He will not play next year, though. We would not jeopardize that now. So don’t get any hopes up that he will play.”
President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard addressed the media following today’s Summer League practice. pic.twitter.com/5hzEWquMIa
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 7, 2025
Haliburton had already been playing through pain. He strained his calf in Game 5 of the Finals but battled through Game 6 and started in Game 7—until the Achilles gave out. His fall was sudden and unprompted, the kind that signals something serious before the medical scans even arrive.
The injury places Haliburton in an unfortunate group of recent stars who’ve seen their seasons—and sometimes careers—interrupted by torn Achilles tendons. Earlier in the same postseason, both Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) also suffered Achilles tears, raising concerns over the physical toll of the condensed NBA schedule.
The former Sacramento Kings guard had been enjoying a spectacular run during the 2024-25 regular season. He averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 73 games, playing a key role in Indiana’s rise to Eastern Conference contenders. In the Finals, despite being hobbled, he still managed to contribute 14 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Haliburton’s leadership and court vision transformed the Pacers’ offense into one of the most dynamic units in the league. His pairing with Bennedict Mathurin had Indiana fans dreaming of a title, and his passing wizardry helped the team navigate a tough playoff path to the Finals.
Now, the Pacers will have to forge ahead without their talisman for the entirety of next season. It’s a major blow for a team that had just begun building real momentum and belief.
But Haliburton isn’t just a player—he’s become the heart of the franchise. The front office and coaching staff have made it clear that his long-term health takes priority over any short-term aspirations. Rehabilitation will be cautious, and there’s no intention of rushing his return.
In the meantime, the Pacers are expected to rely on veteran point guards to fill the void while hoping their young stars can continue progressing. Off-season decisions could also include adding a temporary backcourt leader, though replacing Haliburton’s combination of IQ, flair, and leadership is near impossible.
Haliburton’s absence from the upcoming season also removes one of the NBA’s most exciting rising faces. He had become a fan favorite, both for his dazzling assists and humble demeanor. His All-Star selections were just the beginning of what many predicted would be a long and decorated career.
While the road to recovery will be long, Haliburton is known for his discipline and mental strength. Fans, teammates, and rivals alike have already flooded social media with messages of support, urging the young star to come back stronger.
For now, though, all of Indiana and much of the basketball world will have to wait—and hope—for a full return of one of the league’s brightest young stars.
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