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In a devastating turn of events during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City, Pacers’ franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon early in the first quarter. Immediately helped off the court, he was later parked on crutches and eventually underwent surgery in New York on June 23
💬 What Rick Carlisle Shared
- “Our hearts dropped” upon seeing the inju
- Post-surgery, Carlisle described their phone call as “uplifting”—Haliburton sounded upbeat and sent the team a group‑text thumbs‑up from his hospital be
- Channel the Spirit
Rick, your presence after the injury—leading the team in solidarity—sets the tone. Keep that energy alive daily in meetings, practice, and public messaging. Indiana needs that sense of unity now more than ever. - Establish a Leadership Core
With Tyrese sidelined, promote voices like Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Pascal Siakam. Carlisle’s remarks highlight them as backbone figures—empower them to take the rein - Embrace the “We’ll Be Back” Identity
The team’s post-Finals video—titled “We’ll Be Back”—is a powerful rallying cry. Make it more than PR: embed that mindset in every aspect of the organization—branding, community outreach, and locker-room culture - Design a Recovery-Focused Plan
Carl’s upbeat post-op conversation is a strong foundation. Build on it with a detailed, transparent rehab plan. Share incremental goals publicly to keep fans and Tyrese engaged in the journey. - Keep Youth Hungry
Embed younger players deeper in rotations. This keeps the bench strong and the pipeline active. It’s key for sustaining competitiveness and maintaining Tyrese’s legacy within a rising ensemb
“Indy, I’m sorry… together we are going to fight like hell to get back to this very spot. I don’t doubt for a second that y’all have my back… I’d do it again …and again after that, to fight for this city and
Tyrese hasn’t just rallied Indiana fans—he’s galvanized his teammates and coaches. Now, Carlisle and the Pacers must match that emotional commitment with concr
Rick, your leadership has never been more critical. Rally the organization around Tyrese’s recovery, empower new voices, and keep the “We’ll Be Back” ethos alive—not just in sentiment, but in strategy.
