All-star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is officially back on the floor in a meaningful way and it could be the first real sign that the Indiana Pacers are turning the corner.
Haliburton announced Wednesday on X that he participated in his first 5-on-5 run since June, marking a major milestone in his recovery from a torn right Achilles suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. “Played 5 on 5 today for first time since June,” he wrote, signaling tangible progress after months of rehab.
While Indiana’s 2025-26 season is effectively over, Haliburton’s return to full-contact basketball provides a clear timeline shift. The franchise now has a legitimate path toward re-entering the Eastern Conference playoff picture next season.
Pacers Went From Finals Run to Devastating Setback
Haliburton’s injury came at the worst possible moment. He led Indiana through a breakthrough postseason, guiding the team to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. The Pacers were one win away from a championship before his Achilles gave out in the deciding game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That moment didn’t just end a series, it reshaped an entire season.
Indiana entered 2025-26 without its engine. The result: a 18-61 record and a slide toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Despite the collapse, Haliburton’s pre-injury production reinforces why the organization remains optimistic. In 73 regular-season games, he averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and shot 47.3 percent from the field, then elevated his play across 23 playoff games before the injury.
The setback forced Haliburton into a long-term recovery process, including surgery the day after the injury. Since then, he’s worked behind the scenes, gradually rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence. Wednesday’s 5-on-5 action represents the clearest transition yet from rehab to basketball readiness.
What Haliburton Is Returning To?
The context of his return is just as important as the recovery itself. Indiana is quietly setting the stage for a rapid turnaround. The Pacers added interior stability by acquiring Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers, giving Haliburton a reliable pick-and-roll partner and defensive anchor. It’s a move that directly complements his playmaking strengths.
With a core that still has all-star forward Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, this team will soon be getting their lead playmaker back that helped bring everything together.
At the same time, the Pacers are positioned near the top of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery. With a 52 percent chance at a top-four pick and a 14 percent chance at No. 1 overall, Indiana could add another cornerstone talent to pair with Haliburton. Prospects like BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Kansas combo guard Darryn Peterson, Duke center Cameron Boozer or North Carolina power forward Caleb Wilson could accelerate the rebuild overnight.
That combination of a returning star, upgraded roster pieces, and a premium draft asset creates a rare reset opportunity. There’s still no official timetable for Haliburton’s return to games, but all signs point toward a full comeback by opening night of the 2026-27 season. For a team that looked lost without him, this moment serves as a reminder: the Pacers’ window didn’t close, it just paused.
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