Haliburton on Achilles Injuries in the NBA
Tyrese Haliburton has shared his perspective on the increase in Achilles tendon injuries in the NBA during the past season. The Pacers player, who is in the process of recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture suffered in the seventh game of the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, does not believe there is a definitive answer beyond bad luck. Haliburton was the third victim of an Achilles injury in the playoffs and the seventh in total last season.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also expressed that he does not consider the number of games or the amount of minutes to be a primary factor, pointing out that most Achilles injuries occur in the first half of the season.I think there’s an idea that when guys get hurt or when this happens so many times, everyone thinks they have the answer as to why it’s happening. Everyone thinks we play too many games, we play too many minutes; all those things could be true, but I don’t think that’s what’s causing these injuries.
Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton’s injury occurred while playing with a calf strain, officially diagnosed after Game 5, although he was already showing discomfort from Game 2. Despite passing a calf stress test before Game 6, where he felt good, the situation changed drastically in Game 7.So I don’t think anyone necessarily has the answer. I think injuries are sometimes just bad luck and that’s what happened. I think that’s what happens in sports sometimes.
Tyrese Haliburton
Currently, a month after surgery, Haliburton is using a scooter. The Pacers have already ruled him out for the entire upcoming season. He has spoken with Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, who also suffered Achilles tendon injuries. The Pacers’ point guard aims to make the most of the time until his expected return in the 2026-27 season. Haliburton seeks to continue developing his knowledge of the game, participating in coaches’ meetings and collaborating with the team’s management. His goal is to contribute to the team in the best way possible, even from the bench as soon as he can walk.After Game 6, I thought, ‘That’s it, it’s over, the adrenaline will push me, I’ll be fine.’ I got to Game 7, I felt nothing. I felt great going into the game. I think that’s why I had a great start to the game. My body felt great. Then, obviously, that happened at the end.
Tyrese Haliburton
