Tyrese Haliburton to Sit Out Entire Next Season, Confirms Pacers President Pritchard – What It Means for the Team

Tyrese Haliburton is officially out for the upcoming season with the Indiana Pacers. Kevin Pritchard, the Pacers’ President of Basketball Operations, made this clear in a recent press conference. He noted that, looking back, he wouldn’t have let Haliburton play through a calf injury that led to a more serious issue.

In a heartbreaking twist, Haliburton tore his Achilles just moments into Game 7 of the NBA Finals. It was a tough way to end what had been an exciting season for the Pacers. Recent advancements in Achilles surgery mean that some players return to the court within nine months. If Haliburton were on that timeline, he might be back just as the season wraps up. However, the Pacers prefer to take their time with his recovery. They want him fully healthy before bringing him back, setting their sights on a strong comeback for the 2026-27 season.

Last season, Haliburton was a key player, averaging 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game. In the playoffs, he ramped up his performance, averaging 17.3 points and 8.6 assists, showcasing his skill against even tough defenses like Oklahoma City’s. For the Pacers to thrive, they need Haliburton to return at his best. A long layoff can affect a player’s timing and conditioning, so it’s smart for the team to prioritize his long-term health.

During the same press conference, Pritchard mentioned plans to re-sign center James Wiseman. Wiseman, who signed with the Pacers last year, suffered an Achilles injury in his first game and was later traded to Toronto. He’s now set to return and will likely be a valuable asset behind Jay Huff, a player they brought in to fill the gap left by Myles Turner’s move to Milwaukee.

As the Pacers navigate these challenges, focusing on Haliburton’s recovery is crucial. The NBA landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, and teams that manage player health effectively will have an edge in the future.



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