Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton returned to the basketball court on Saturday, taking his first steps since his Achilles tendon injury. He wasn’t running or shooting yet—just walking in a protective boot—but it marked an important milestone in his recovery, only two months after the surgery. Being at the Indiana Pacers Athletic Center in suburban Indianapolis, surrounded by more than 300 excited youth basketball campers, brought a big smile to Haliburton’s face.
“I’m walking in my boot and getting closer to walking normally in my shoe, which is exciting,” he said. “Every couple of weeks, it feels like a new achievement. Right now, it’s about the small wins. There are good days and bad days, so every day feels like Groundhog Day. I’m just focused on getting better.”
Saturday was a positive day for Haliburton. He was able to pose for photos, give interviews, and walk around the facility in his boot. Back in late June, none of this would have been possible. During the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Haliburton’s strained right calf gave way, causing him to collapse on the court. Teammates, coaches, and fans were shocked as he needed help to leave the floor and watched the rest of the game from the locker room with his father, John. The injury led to surgery, which sidelined him for the upcoming season.
Haliburton emphasized that he won’t rush his recovery. He is rehabbing alongside Indiana’s other injured star, two-time WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark, who has been out since July 15 with a groin injury. “It’s tough she’s been out this long, but being able to lift and work together helps. It’s like just the two of us in the weight room. I wish she was playing, but it’s great to have each other to lean on,” he said.
He has also been following the recoveries of Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum, both of whom suffered Achilles injuries and may miss the next season. Tatum described the first six weeks after his injury as “probably the toughest six weeks of any point in my life.” Haliburton isn’t alone in his rehab—Pacers teammates Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman have also had Achilles injuries and have offered advice and encouragement. “We’ve formed our own Achilles group in the locker room. It’s comforting to share experiences instead of just talking to trainers,” he explained.
Support from fans has also helped Haliburton stay positive. He has received letters from people in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and across the country. Seeing teammates—old and new—at the camp also lifted his spirits. Forward James Johnson flew in to work the camp, and rookie guards Taelon Peter and Kam Jones joined in, along with Haliburton’s proud father.
For Haliburton, the best part of the day was interacting with the kids at the camp. “A lot of these kids come up and tell me they were at playoff games or other matches. It’s fun to show them I’m just a regular person. I loved spending time with them, and it reminds me why I love being around basketball,” he said, smiling.
This day marked an important step in Haliburton’s journey back to full health and highlighted the joy of connecting with fans and the next generation of players, even during a long recovery.
FAQ
What happened to Tyrese Haliburton?
Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles tendon injury during Game 7 of the NBA Finals in June and underwent surgery, which will sideline him for much of the upcoming season.
Is Haliburton back to playing basketball?
He is not yet running or shooting but has made progress by walking in a protective boot as part of his rehab, marking an important recovery milestone.
Where did Haliburton appear recently?
Haliburton attended a youth basketball camp at the Indiana Pacers Athletic Center in suburban Indianapolis, interacting with over 300 young basketball players.
How is Haliburton feeling about his recovery?
He is optimistic and focused on “small wins,” describing each step of progress as a new achievement while acknowledging that there are good days and bad days.
Who has Haliburton been rehabbing with?
He has been working alongside Pacers teammate Caitlin Clark, a two-time WNBA All-Star, who is also recovering from a groin injury.