Haliburton Reflects on Achilles Injuries in the NBA
Tyrese Haliburton, player for the Indiana Pacers, has shared his thoughts on the increase in Achilles injuries in the NBA during the past season. Haliburton, who suffered an Achilles rupture in the seventh game of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, believes that there is no definitive answer for this phenomenon, 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 doesn’t believe the number of games or the number of minutes are a primary factor, noting 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 for 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,” Haliburton said.
Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton’s injury occurred while playing with a calf strain, which was officially diagnosed after Game 5, although he was already showing discomfort from Game 2. He passed a calf stress test before Game 6, which allowed him to play, and claimed to feel good before Game 7.“So I don’t think anyone necessarily has the answer. I think injuries are just bad luck sometimes and that’s what happened. I think that’s what happens in sports sometimes,” Haliburton added.
Tyrese Haliburton
A month after surgery, Haliburton is still using a scooter and 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 injuries. The Pacers’ point guard aims to make the most of the time until his expected return in the 2026-27 season. “I think I want to use this time to continue to grow my mind for the game. Being around coach [Rick] Carlisle. Sitting in on coaches’ meetings. [Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin] Pritchard, talking with those guys and helping out. I feel like I have a pretty decent basketball mind. So just trying to help the guys out the best I can. I’ll be on the bench as soon as I can walk,” Haliburton concluded.“After Game 6, I said, ‘That’s it, it’s over, the adrenaline is going to hit me, I’m going to be fine.’ I go to Game 7, I feel nothing. I feel great before the game. I think that’s why I had a great start to the game. My body felt great. Then, obviously, that happens at the end,” explained Haliburton.
Tyrese Haliburton
