In a moment that tugged at the heartstrings of Pacers Nation, Indiana Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton has finally broken his silence following the devastating Achilles injury that will sideline him for the entire 2025–26 NBA season.
After weeks of silence since collapsing during Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Haliburton took to social media with an emotional message that captured not just the physical pain he’s enduring—but the emotional weight of stepping away from the game he loves.
“I’m going to be so sad missing the boys, the staff, and the roar of the Game,” Haliburton wrote. “Indiana Pacers isn’t just a club—it’s family. Whenever I run out there, I feel fully alive. To be twiddling my thumbs on the bench will be tough.”
The 25-year-old, who played a monumental role in leading the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the second quarter of the Finals’ decisive game. The injury halted what had been a historic playoff run and now threatens to derail Indiana’s momentum heading into the next season.
A Leader in Pain, Yet Poised
Fans, teammates, and even rival players have poured out support since the injury, recognizing Haliburton not just as a key playmaker, but as the emotional heart of the Pacers roster. Despite the setback, Haliburton’s spirit remains strong.
“This isn’t the end of the story,” he said. “I’ll be back stronger. Right now, it’s about healing—not just my leg, but my mind. I’ll use every moment away to become a better teammate and a better man.”
Pacers Face Tough Road Ahead
The timing couldn’t be worse for Indiana. With Haliburton out, the Pacers will lean heavily on their young core—Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and possibly James Wiseman, pending his health status—to keep the team competitive in a stacked Eastern Conference.
Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle issued a statement of support:
“Tyrese is everything you want in a franchise player—resilient, fearless, and deeply connected to this team. We’ll support him through every step of this journey.”
Fans React
Pacers fans across social media expressed a wave of heartbreak and solidarity using the hashtag #HealUpTyrese, with thousands sharing tributes, highlight reels, and personal messages of encouragement.
As the Pacers prepare for a season without their floor general, Haliburton’s voice will still echo in the locker room. Even from the sidelines, his presence, leadership, and heart remain an irreplaceable part of Indiana’s identity.
“I might be off the court,” Haliburton added, “but I’ll never stop being a Pacer.”
