Haliburton Out
Haliburton Out for 2025-26 Season. The Indiana Pacers have confirmed that star point guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season due to a torn right Achilles tendon. This decision comes after Haliburton underwent surgery, which was deemed successful by Pacers president Kevin Pritchard. The surgery’s location, described as “a little higher, ” is expected to facilitate better blood flow during Haliburton’s recovery. Pritchard emphasized that the team’s priority is Haliburton’s long-term health, stating, “We would not jeopardize that now.”
Impact of Haliburton’s Injury
Haliburton sustained the injury during Game 7 of the NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched their first championship title. His performance was notable, scoring nine points with three 3-pointers before being sidelined. In the Finals, he averaged 14 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, showcasing his critical role in the team’s success. However, the Pacers struggled without him in the second half of Game 7, being outscored 56-43, ultimately losing 103-91.
Haliburton’s Statistics and Career Overview
During the regular 2024-25 season, Haliburton played 73 games, achieving impressive averages of 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, leading to his selection on the All-NBA third team. His career averages across 333 games stand at 17.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, reflecting his development since entering the league with the Sacramento Kings in
2020. His performance metrics place him among the top point guards in the league, making his absence a significant loss for the Pacers.
Coach’s Perspective on Haliburton
Kevin Pritchard praised Haliburton’s determination and resilience, highlighting his willingness to play through injury. Haliburton himself expressed no regrets about competing in the Finals despite the risk, stating he would “do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers.” This mentality, while admirable, raises concerns about player health and decision-making in high-stakes situations. Pritchard noted, “If I knew that he was going to get hurt, I would sacrifice that game because I care for the kid so much and want him to have an incredible career.”
Looking Ahead for the Pacers
With Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers will need to adjust their strategy for the upcoming season. The team must navigate the challenges of a high-profile absence while maintaining competitive performance. Historically, teams have struggled when losing key players; for instance, teams that lost their leading scorer typically see a drop in win percentage by approximately 10-15%.
As the Pacers prepare for the upcoming season, they will need to find ways to fill the void left by Haliburton’s absence and ensure that the team remains competitive in the Eastern Conference.
