Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Sends Confident Message to Fans in Season Finale

All-Star guard reassures Indiana fans of brighter future as recovery nears completion.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color.Haliburton's confident message to Pacers fans signals a brighter future for the franchise, as the team's star guard nears a full recovery and a return to the court.Indianapolis Today

Despite a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw the Indiana Pacers finish 19-63, star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who missed the entire year due to a torn Achilles, delivered an inspiring message to fans in the season finale. Haliburton reassured supporters that the Pacers' championship window is not closed, declaring 'Don't get used to the Pacers not playing in April, May, and June.' With Haliburton progressing well in his rehab and expected to return fully healthy by next season, the franchise and its fans are hopeful this could signal a quick turnaround.

Why it matters

Haliburton's absence was a major factor in the Pacers' struggles this season, as the team lacked offensive rhythm and leadership without their All-Star floor general. His confident message to fans indicates he believes the team can quickly return to contention once he's back, providing hope for a proud franchise that has fallen on hard times.

The details

Haliburton, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, has reportedly progressed steadily through a demanding rehab process. Now more than 40 weeks into recovery, he has resumed full five-on-five workouts and has been increasingly active during pregame routines, signaling that a full return by the start of the 2026-27 season is well within reach.

  • Haliburton suffered the torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
  • Haliburton is now more than 40 weeks into his recovery process.

The players

Tyrese Haliburton

An All-Star guard for the Indiana Pacers who missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the 2025 NBA Finals.

Tobias Harris

A forward for the Detroit Pistons who led a balanced attack in the season finale against the Pacers.

Paul Reed

A forward for the Detroit Pistons who contributed to the team's victory over the Pacers in the season finale.

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What they’re saying

“Don't get used to the Pacers not playing in April, May, and June.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, All-Star guard, Indiana Pacers

What’s next

With Haliburton's recovery progressing well, the Pacers will now shift their focus to a pivotal offseason, hoping to build a roster that can quickly return the team to contention once their star guard is fully healthy.

The takeaway

Haliburton's confident message to Pacers fans serves as a reminder that the team's championship window may have been paused, but not closed. His expected return to full health next season provides hope that Indiana can quickly turn things around and reclaim its place as a perennial playoff contender.