Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton took another step in his recovery from an Achilles tendon surgery, walking in a protective boot while hosting his youth basketball camp in suburban Indianapolis.
#Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hosted his basketball camp, and was able to walk around in a boot.
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) August 23, 2025
Haliburton, who was injured in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last June, said he is making steady progress two months into rehab.
[ALSO READ: Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton weighs in on rising Achilles tear cases in the NBA]
“I’m walking in my boot, getting closer to walking full time in my shoe, so that’s exciting. Every couple of weeks, it’s kind of a new benchmark, a new achievement. So it’s the small wins right now, ” Haliburton told reporters.
The injury is expected to sideline Haliburton for the entire 2025-26 season and there is no specific timeline for his return. That pivoted Indiana to perhaps enter the upcoming season as a “gap year” given that their star playmaker is out for a foreseeable future.
[ALSO READ: Pacers rule out star guard Tyrese Haliburton for 2025-26 NBA season after Achilles surgery]
However, the Pacers wouldn’t want to give up without Haliburton and would do anything to have a remarkable campaign.
Haliburton has followed the recoveries of Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who also suffered Achilles tendon injuries in the playoffs and could miss all of this coming season.
[ALSO READ: LIST: Haliburton, Tatum, Lillard, more who suffered Achilles injuries in 2024–25 NBA season]
Closer to home, Pacers teammates Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman are also working their way back from Achilles injuries suffered last year. Both are hopeful to return for Indiana’s season opener and have shared advice with Haliburton throughout his rehab.
[ALSO READ: Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton weighs in on rising Achilles tear cases in the NBA]
For now, he is finding motivation from the support of fans and the chance to interact with young players.
“A lot of these kids are coming up to me saying they were at this game or that game. It’s cool to be here, in front of the kids, hanging out, spending some time with them. I love being around it,” the 25-year-old shared.
Indiana will tip-off its 2025-26 campaign at home in a Finals rematch against the defending champion OKC Thunder on Friday, October 24 (PH Time).
[ALSO READ: News Early Finals rematch set as SGA, Thunder visit Siakam, Pacers in 2025-26 NBA opening week]
