All Star Guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire 2025–26 NBA season. This Indiana Pacers player suffered Achilles tear during Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22. The team confirmed his absence for the next NBA season.
This news have devastated both the team and the fans who are eagerly waiting for his comeback. Tyrese had just signed a max extension with Indiana Pacers. At just 24, Haliburton was coming off a career-best season and leading Indiana to its first finals appearance since 2000.
The confirmation ends speculation that had swirled for days after Haliburton left Game 7 clutching his leg and did not return.
Tyrese Haliburton Achilles Tear is a downfall for Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton Achilles tear is being considered as downfall for Indiana Pacers. The Pacers need to find a replacement who could do wonders for the team and fans.
Haliburton suffered a right Achilles tear during the first quarter of Game 7 of 2025 NBA Finals against Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury occurred when he tried to make a sharp cut near the baseline and collapsed right away. He was assisted from the court and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
This loss is a big blow to the Indiana Pacers, who had expected Haliburton to be their playmaker and leader during their 2025 playoff campaign.
In Tyrese’s absence, the team will begin the 2025-26 season without its top scorer. A long recovery only adds more doubt to both Haliburton’s return and Indiana’s status as a contender.
“This is gut-wrenching. Tyrese has been the heart and soul of our team. We’ll support him in every way possible.”
Head Coach Rick Carlisle
Haliburton’s injury now puts the Pacers’ trajectory into uncertainty. Achilles tears are among the most serious injuries in basketball, with lengthy recovery times and varying results post-return.
Who Will Step Up for Pacers After Tyrese Haliburton Achilles Tear?
Now that Tyrese is on a one year recovery, Indiana pacers will need a replacement. Here the critical question is who will fill up the void left by all star player? The franchise must act fast if they want to win the title of NBA season 2025-26. With a perfect strategy and planning Pacers must pace up.
Here are some players who can fill up the void left by Tyrese Haliburton and who can level up the team.
| Player | Role & Fit | Relationship with Tyrese Haliburton |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Nembhard | Smart, poised playmaker likely to run the offense in Haliburton’s absence. | Trusted backcourt partner. Tyrese often praised his maturity. |
| T.J. McConnell | Veteran leader and defensive spark off the bench. | Mentor figure. Tyrese credited him for helping shape his mindset. |
| Bennedict Mathurin | Athletic scorer who could take on more ball-handling duties. | Fast-break favorite. Tyrese set him up for many highlight plays. |
| Jarace Walker | Young forward offering defense, size, and second-unit scoring. | Tyrese publicly backed his growth during rookie challenges. |
| Ben Sheppard | Hustle player with potential to contribute for the team. | Encouraged by Tyrese during early rotation minutes. |
