SerpApi.Org
More than a year after he tore his Achilles tendon in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tyrese Haliburton is finally feeling ready to get back on the court after a series of unfortunate events that prolonged his devastating battle off the court, including a battle with shingles.
Thankfully, Tyrese has confirmed he is finally healthy and ready to get back on the court. Along with the grueling rehab, Hali has been keen on transforming his body by putting on some much-needed weight and muscle on his skinny frame, which will further help him improve his play on the court, especially when going up against other elite point guards in the NBA.
On LeBron James' "Mind The Game" podcast, Tyrese didn't hide the difficulty of being away from basketball for so long.
"It's been long like 13 months now," said Tyrese. "Rehab has been long, but I feel great now. I'm playing five-on-five, doing everything. Just waiting for the season to get here at this point."
Tyrese takes a slight diss at the Knicks
As any athlete would know, especially a professional one, being a month away from your sport can feel like an eternity, let alone a year. Although he can't wait to get back on the hardwood, Haliburton misses the feeling of shutting down Madison Square Garden the most.
"I miss the game. I hope the game misses me a little bit. I miss playing. I miss New York. I love playing in New York, so, you know," said Haliburton.
Considering his memorable playoff performances against the New York Knicks in 2024 and 2025, it's no surprise Hali loves playing in the Big Apple.
In 2024, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Knicks in seven grueling games in the second round, exhausting New York's slim rotation with their signature fast-paced tempo. Tyrese led the way with 21.3 points and seven assists per game to bring Indiana to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they ultimately lost to the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics.
In 2025, the two rivals matched up again. This time in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers, once again, got the best out of the Knicks. Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight of the series was Haliburton, with his generational buzzer-beaters in MSG and averages of 21 points, 10.5 assists, and 6 rebounds per game, which secured Indiana'sits second-ever trip to the NBA Finals.
Still, Tyrese couldn't help but acknowledge the historic championship run the New York Knicks had last postseason, giving props where it's due.
"I think a lot changed. I think Mike Brown was a big addition for them. I think the ball moved a lot more for them. They relied on their second unit even more, which I think is important. Obviously their starting five is amazing. JB did his thing, KAT, OG, Mikal, all those guys. But then I think you can't get rid of the contributions of like Jose Alvarado, you know what I mean? Mitchell Robinson, guys like that who are coming in, making big plays, helping win playoff games when things matter. I think that's ultimately what mattered the most."
Tyrese wants to get back to the promised land
Nevertheless, Haliburton has his eyes on getting back to the championship, no matter what it takes, especially since the core from the Indiana Pacers' 2025 finals team hasn't changed much aside from the trade of Benedict Mathurin and the departure of Myles Turner, where Ivica Zubac came in as the replacement at the center position.
Indiana has also made some moves during the off-season. Notably, they acquired Kelly Oubre Jr., one of the more under-the-radar signings that will greatly help the well-seasoned Pacers.
Not to mention the Eastern Conference has drastically improved over the summer. Aside from last year's most notable teams like the Knicks, the Detroit Pistons, and the Boston Celtics, other franchises like the Toronto Raptors, the Miami Heat, and the Philadelphia 76ers have armed themselves with superstar talent, aiming to leave the whole conference in the dust.
Although he can be considered a superstar, Haliburton isn't as popular as some of his other peers in the East, which will likely make the Pacers a potential dark horse in the conference heading into next season.
