Tyrese Haliburton to Miss the Entire 2025–26 Season
The Indiana Pacers have officially confirmed that their franchise point guard **Tyrese Haliburton** will miss the **entire 2025–26 NBA season** due to a **torn right Achilles sustained in the first quarter of **Game 7** of the **NBA Finals** against the Oklahoma City Thunder ([AP News][1], [Reuters][2]).
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### 📅 Timeline & Diagnosis
* **Date of injury**: June 22, 2025, during Game 7 of the Finals. Haliburton began strong—knocking down three early 3-pointers—but suffered the injury with 4:55 left in the first quarter .
* **Surgical intervention**: Underwent surgery on June 23 at HSS in New York ([NBA][3]).
* **Official announcement**: On **July 7, 2025**, Pacers President Kevin Pritchard confirmed via WISH-TV that Haliburton will not play next season ([Reuters][2]).
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### 🗣️ Kevin Pritchard’s Statement
* **Surgery outcome**: “The surgery went well. It was a little higher and he gets more blood to that…” ([Reuters][2]).
* **Season outlook**: “He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now. Don’t get any hopes up that he will play.” ([Reuters][2]).
* **Long-term faith**: “I have no doubt he will be back better than ever.” ([Reuters][2]).
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### 🏀 Haliburton’s Impact & Legacy
* **2024–25 Regular Season**:
* 73 games (all starts)
* 18.6 PPG, 9.2 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG
* Earned **All-NBA Third Team honors** ([Reuters][2]).
* **2025 NBA Finals**:
* Averaged 14.0 PPG, 5.9 APG, 4.6 RPG
* Pacers were outscored 56–43 in the second half post-injury ([Hypebeast][4], [Reuters][2]).
* **Career average (Kings + Pacers)**:
* 17.5 PPG, 8.8 APG, 3.7 RPG across 333 games ([Reuters][2]).
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### ⚠️ Why Achilles Tears Are Turning Up
* Haliburton joins peers like Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum who suffered ruptures this postseason—a troubling trend among elite, younger players ([AP News][1]).
* Experts point to factors like early sports specialization, intense training, longer seasons, footwear, and even certain antibiotics affecting tendon health ([AP News][1]).
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### 🔮 What’s Next for the Pacers
1. **Rebuild and Reassess**
With both **Tyrese Haliburton** and recently departed **Myles Turner** unavailable, the Pacers face a major rebuild ahead of 2025–26 ([The Times of India][5], [Hypebeast][4]).
2. **Guard rotation overhaul**
They’ll need to lean on backups, possibly sign free agents, or explore young talent to cover Haliburton’s playmaking void.
3. **Cap & roster implications**
While Haliburton rehabs with a \$45.6 M salary, his absence and Turner’s exit reshape their financial and strategic flexibility .
4. **Recovery & return timeline**
Achilles tears typically require 9–12 months for recovery. Though Haliburton has youth and access to top-tier medical support, the Pacers are prioritizing full rehabilitation over a rushed return ([AP News][1]).
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### 💬 Haliburton’s Resilience
Just days before the announcement, Haliburton shared a heartfelt message from his hospital, stating he wouldn’t regret playing through pain:
> “I don’t regret it. I’d do it again… to fight for this city and my brothers.” ([The Sun][6], [Wikipedia][7])
His courage in adversity has only deepened his bond with fans and teammates.
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## 📝 Final Word
The 2025–26 season will mark a pivotal turning point for Indiana. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined and Myles Turner off the roster, the Pacers face a challenging road full of uncertainty. However, Haliburton’s elite skill, maturity, and drive set the stage for a powerful comeback. His full recovery will be essential for Indiana’s long-term aspirations—and the organization is making no compromises in ensuring he returns stronger.
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* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/pacers-confirm-g-tyrese-haliburton-miss-2025-26-season-2025-07-07/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/indiana-pacers-confirm-tyrese-haliburton-will-miss-202526-nba-season-after-torn-achilles-in-game-7-loss/articleshow/122308425.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
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