Tyrese Haliburton declares he’s at his best in years after shingles battle

Tyrese Haliburton says he’s at the best he’s felt in years after a long fight with shingles and the drugs used to treat it.

On 22 Jul 2026, the Indiana Pacers guard told reporters he has dropped the 15-20 pounds of unhealthy weight he put on during the illness and kept the muscle he rebuilt in rehab. “I feel great,” Haliburton said. “Shingles is mostly behind me now. I’ve lost the weight. I feel great. This is the best I’ve felt in a long time.”

What happened to Tyrese Haliburton?

Haliburton missed part of the 2025-26 season after contracting shingles. The viral rash and the steroids he took to calm it drove up his weight and sapped his energy. He spent weeks in rehab regaining strength and adding lean mass. By late June he had shed the extra pounds and kept the new muscle, putting him in prime shape for summer workouts.

How does Haliburton feel right now?

He calls it the best stretch in years. The 24-year-old guard said the virus is mostly gone and the side effects of the meds have faded. He added that his body feels stronger than it did before the setback. The Pacers fly to Las Vegas next week for summer league, and Haliburton plans to build on this fresh start.

What’s next for the Pacers and Haliburton?

Indiana opens summer league on 28 Jul in Las Vegas. Haliburton will suit up for the first time since March, joining teammates to test new lineups. Coach Rick Carlisle wants to see how the revamped roster gels before training camp in September. Haliburton’s health and conditioning give Indiana a clear boost as they chase a deeper playoff run.

Why this matters for the Pacers

Haliburton is Indiana’s engine on offense. A fully healthy version of him raises the ceiling for a team that pushed the top-seeded Celtics to six games in last year’s conference finals. His latest comments signal he’s back to peak form just as the grind toward 2026-27 tips off.