Tyrese Haliburton is about to cost the Indiana Pacers an astronomical sum after it was confirmed that the two-time All-Star will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season through injury.
The 25-year-old point guard, who is widely regarded as one of the NBA's most dynamic playmakers, suffered the injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals – a clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 23.
It was soon confirmed that Haliburton had torn his right Achilles tendon and would undergo surgery.
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From a hospital bed in New York, the Iowa State graduate would post a lengthy statement on X, formerly Twitter. “Words cannot express the pain of this letdown,” he said. “The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense."
Haliburton added: "I know I’ll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it. I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special.”
Haliburton will be ruled out for the reason of the season in what is a devastating blow for the Pacers, who made the point guard one of the highest paid players in NBA history when they offered him a five-year deal in 2023.
In fact, the deal is believed to be worth over $45,000,000 across the 2025-26 season, according to Spotrac.
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Haliburton will certainly be missed by Rick Carlisle and his side. In total, he has played in 333 games with the Kings and Pacers and has career averages of 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 8.8 assists.
Speaking about his absence, Carlisle was hopeful. “He will be back,” the coach said. “I don’t have any medical information about what’s what, what may or may not have happened. But he’ll be back in time, and I believe he’ll make a full recovery.”
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard added, as per ESPN: "I have no doubt that he will be back better than ever. The surgery went well. It was a little higher and he gets more blood to that [as he recovers]."
Pritchard added: "He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now. So don't get any hopes up that he will play."
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Tyrese Haliburton's post after undergoing surgery
The 25-year-old issued an emotional statement on social media after going under the knife.
He wrote on X: "Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense.
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"Now that I’ve gotten surgery, I wish I could count the number of times people will tell me I’m going to “come back stronger”. What a cliche lol, this shit sucks. My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what’s hurting most I think is my mind. Feel like I’m rambling, but I know this is something I’ll look back on when I’m through this, as something I’m proud I fought through. It feels good to let this shit out without y’all seeing the kid ugly cry.
"At 25, I’ve already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. I know I’ll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it. I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special.
"Indy, I’m sorry. If any fan base doesn’t deserve this, it’s y’all. But together we are going to fight like hell to get back to this very spot, and get over this hurdle. I don’t doubt for a second that y’all have my back, and I hope you guys know that I have yours. I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation. “There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.” And that’s exactly right. I will do everything in my power to get back right.
"My journey to get to where I am today wasn’t by happenstance, I’ve pushed myself every day to be great. And I will continue to do just that. The most important part of this all, is that I’m grateful. I’m grateful for every single experience that’s led me here. I’m grateful for all the love from the hoop world. I don’t “have to” go through this, I get to go through this. I’m grateful for the road that lies ahead. Watch how I come back from this. So, give me some time, I’ll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton.
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"Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Topics: NBA, Basketball
Jack Kenmare