INDIANAPOLIS – Less than a day after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton underwent successful surgery. The quick decision, made jointly by Haliburton, the medical staff, and the front office, could dramatically improve his long-term recovery outlook.
Prudent Surgery Decision Gives Pacers And Tyrese Haliburton Hope
A Devastating End Spurs Swift Action
Haliburton sustained the injury during the Pacers’ crushing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Game 7 defeat not only ended Indiana’s title hopes, but also cast uncertainty over the future of its franchise cornerstone. But by acting fast, the Pacers may have set Haliburton on a smoother path toward full recovery.
“People should be very hopeful,” head coach Rick Carlisle said in his weekly appearance on 107.5 The Fan, referencing their phone conversation after the surgery. “This is going to be a long haul, a long road back.”
Still, expectations for a 2025-26 return remain bleak. “Obviously, very unlikely that he’ll play at all next year,” Carlisle added. “I don’t think I’m speaking out of school as a non-medical person.”
Tyrese Haliburton Surgery Timing Mirrors League Best Practices
The Pacers followed a model established by other franchises. Most notably, the Pacers fast-tracked Tyrese Haliburton surgery by drawing on the Boston Celtics’ experience with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear. Tatum also underwent surgery within 18 hours of injury during the playoffs. Both players were treated by Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Boston’s president Brad Stevens explained the rationale for that quick response in an interview with NBC Sports Boston: “Blood supply and different swelling benefits early on in those first 72 hours was the timeframe we were talking about,” Stevens said. “I think there’s real benefit to that.”
The Pacers appear to agree. Medical experts often cite the first 72 hours as crucial in minimizing long-term damage, inflammation, and complications. By performing Tyrese Haliburton’s surgery within that window, Indiana may have improved his odds of returning to pre-injury form.
Emotional Toll, Medical Reality
Carlisle revealed that Haliburton picked up his call “on the first ring” and sounded “upbeat” despite the crushing blow. “The exchange on the telephone last night at 8:49 p.m. Eastern Time was one of the most uplifting moments in my entire coaching career,” Carlisle said.
Still, the emotional boost cannot change the timeline. The average recovery from Achilles surgery is 9 to 12 months. Given Haliburton’s heavy minutes, high usage rate, and the physical demands of his style, the team won’t rush him back.
Tyrese Haliburton’s surgery signals the start of a long journey. And while it may cost the Pacers an entire season of their All-Star, they are positioning him—and themselves—for a stronger return.
Looking Ahead Without Their Star
Without Haliburton, the Pacers face uncertainty. The front office must now explore guard depth, developmental options, and potential trades. But long-term, Haliburton remains central to their future.
At just 25, he had led Indiana to its first Finals appearance since 2000. The franchise won’t gamble on that trajectory for short-term gains. Their priority now is health, not haste.
If the early intervention delivers the healing edge experts suggest, Indiana’s quick decision could become the season’s smartest move—even if Haliburton never touches the court in 2025.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The post Prudent Surgery Decision Gives Pacers And Tyrese Haliburton Hope appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.