Tyrese Haliburton Ruled Out for Two Seasons After Devastating Achilles Rupture

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*Indianapolis, IN – June 23, 2025* – The Indiana Pacers and the entire NBA community are reeling after All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a catastrophic Achilles tendon rupture during his game tonight sidelining him for the entirety of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. The injury, confirmed by team doctors after an MRI scan, deals a crushing blow to the Pacers’ championship aspirations and Haliburton’s ascending career.

### **The Moment Disaster Struck**
According to sources close to the team, Haliburton was participating in a routine training session when he suddenly collapsed while driving to the basket. Witnesses described hearing an audible “pop” before the 25-year-old guard clutched his lower leg in agony. He was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility, where imaging confirmed a full rupture of his right Achilles tendon—one of the most feared injuries in professional sports.

The Pacers released an official statement late Tuesday evening:

*”We are heartbroken to announce that Tyrese Haliburton has suffered a complete Achilles tear and will undergo surgery in the coming days. While we are confident in Tyrese’s resilience and work ethic, the nature of this injury requires an extended rehabilitation process. Our focus now is on supporting him through his recovery.”*

### **A Career in Jeopardy?**
Achilles injuries have historically been career-altering for basketball players, with many never regaining their pre-injury explosiveness. At just 25, Haliburton was entering his prime after averaging 22.1 points and a league-leading 11.4 assists per game last season. His unique blend of court vision, scoring ability, and leadership had positioned him as the cornerstone of Indiana’s franchise.

Medical experts suggest Haliburton faces an uphill battle. “Achilles ruptures typically require 12-18 months for recovery in normal cases,” said Dr. James Andrews, a renowned orthopedic surgeon. “For an elite athlete needing to return to peak performance, two full seasons might be realistic given the required rehab and gradual ramp-up.”

### **Pacers’ Playoff Hopes Dashed**
The timing couldn’t be worse for Indiana. After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Pacers were widely viewed as legitimate title contenders. Haliburton’s absence leaves a gaping hole in their roster, with no clear replacement for his playmaking and clutch scoring.

General Manager Chad Buchanan now faces immense pressure to retool the roster, with trade rumors already swirling around potential stopgap options like Terry Rozier or Dejounte Murray. However, finding a player who can replicate Haliburton’s impact is nearly impossible.

### **League-Wide Shock and Support**
The NBA community quickly rallied around Haliburton, with stars like Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and Trae Young sending messages of encouragement on social media. Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement calling Haliburton “one of the most exciting young talents in our game” and expressing confidence in his eventual return.

### **What’s Next for Haliburton?**
The road ahead will be grueling. Rehabilitation from an Achilles tear is as much a mental challenge as a physical one, requiring relentless patience and determination. History offers both cautionary tales (like DeMarcus Cousins’ decline post-injury) and success stories (like Kevin Durant’s triumphant return).

For now, Haliburton remains optimistic. In a brief Instagram post, he wrote: *”This ain’t how I planned it, but the comeback will be legendary. Love to everyone reaching out—I’ll be back better.”*

As the Pacers regroup and Haliburton begins the fight of his life, one thing is certain: The NBA just lost one of its brightest stars for far too long.

**— ESPN NBA Insider Team with contributions from The Athletic**