The Indiana Pacers had a good run in the 2024-25 regular season, entering the playoffs with a 50-32 record under Tyrese Haliburton’s leadership.
The Pacers’ playoff journey was nothing short of spectacular as they defeated Milwaukee in the first round and Cleveland in the second round. Their Eastern Conference Finals win over the Knicks in six games gave the organization hope for a championship banner hanging in Indianapolis.
But then came the heartbreak as in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Haliburton went down with a devastating Achilles injury. The Pacers lost the game; now, devastating news regarding his injury has been revealed.
Fans Are Devastated by the Latest Update on Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury
On Monday, Pacers President Kevin Pritchard confirmed the worst: Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 season to focus on recovery.
“I have no doubt that he will be back better than ever. You know the surgery went well… He will not play next year, though. We would not jeopardize that now. Don’t get any hopes up that he will play, but again, we will have some guys, and hopefully, we will have some opportunities to grow, and when he gets back, that would be a cherry on top,” said Pritchard during an interview.
#Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard confirmed Tyrese Haliburton is out for the 2025-26 season.
“I have no doubt that he will be back better than ever… He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now.” pic.twitter.com/OiSy327pgw
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) July 7, 2025
What was initially feared as a long rehab has now become a lost season, sending shockwaves through the fanbase and NBA world alike.
Haliburton averaged 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds and led the Pacers with poise during the playoffs. Most fans had expected that he’d miss time early next season but return at some point. This latest revelation has left fans emotionally drained.
“Terrible news,” wrote one fan whereas another one said, “He will be missed, but will come back ready for revenge.”
Terrible news
— Olking (@Olking07) July 7, 2025
In the Finals against OKC, Haliburton averaged 14.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. His vision and tempo set the tone for Indiana’s offense, and his presence on the floor gave the Pacers their identity.
Many fans still believe that had he stayed healthy in Game 7, Indiana might’ve been lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy. Now, with their superstar sidelined, Pacers fans are left wondering what’s next.
“So unfortunate. The Pacers are going from just one win away of the title to probably two years away from being contenders again,” said one fan.
So unfortunate. The Pacers are going from just one win away of the title to probably two years away from being contenders again.
— The GOAT (@TheG0ATPlays) July 7, 2025
Haliburton is just 25 years old, right in the heart of his prime. While the injury was unfortunate, fans are rallying around the decision by the Pacers’ front office to prioritize his long-term health over short-term gain.
Achilles injuries can be career-altering and Indiana is making the right call in giving their franchise star the time he needs to fully recover.
“Please preserve this young kid’s career right move,” wrote another user.
Please preserve this young kids career right move
— Kaujuan that boy kinda funny (@KaujuanR) July 7, 2025
While most fans reacted with heartbreak and sadness upon hearing the news that Haliburton would miss the entire 2025-26 season, one fan pointed fingers at the NBA itself.
“There’s something wrong with the NBA when ‘stars’ can’t stay healthy,” said the fan.
There’s something wrong with the NBA when “stars” can’t stay healthy.
— His Grace GOAT targaryen (@JasonJDaniel) July 7, 2025
Now, with their standout player sidelined, fans are understandably worried about the future of the franchise.
