Tyrese Haliburton feels great, back in NBA shape after Achilles recovery

Tyrese Haliburton declared himself back in “NBA shape” on Saturday, June 27, after a year-long recovery from a torn Achilles tendon and a bout with shingles. The Indiana Pacers star hosted his annual kids basketball camp in Carmel, Ind., treating more than 300 campers to a day of fundamentals.

“I feel great,” Haliburton said. “Body feels great. I’m able to do everything. I feel like I’m operating like I’m a healthy NBA player, which is exciting.”

Haliburton’s camp drew students from grades 1 through 8. They rotated through stations focused on basketball basics. Several Pacers joined him: forward Obi Toppin, guard Taelon Peter, newly drafted Braden Smith, and general manager Chad Buchanan.

Haliburton made a point to interact with every kid he could. “I tried to at least have one interaction with every kid if I can,” he said. “It’s something I really value doing in general.”

Haliburton said he’s past the worst of his health issues. The shingles caused visible swelling in his face. “You see I have eyebrows now, so thankful for that,” he joked. “I looked back at videos of me, and I can see how swollen my face is and I’m just glad that’s past me now.”

He feels stronger than ever. “My body just feels great in all honesty. I’ve never felt this strong,” Haliburton said. “It’s exciting, and it’s only the end of June. I’ve got three more months. I feel like I’m in good shape, like NBA shape. But there’s a difference between NBA shape and Tyrese Haliburton shape.”

Haliburton still has over three months before the 2026-2027 NBA season tips off in late October. If he’s already at “NBA shape” in June, he has plenty of time to reach his own standard. That’s a huge boost for Indiana.

The Pacers rely on Haliburton as their franchise point guard. His Achilles tear sidelined him for most of last season. A fully healthy Haliburton changes the team’s ceiling.

Haliburton plans to keep hosting this camp for the rest of his career in Indianapolis. “A lot of these kids are kids that have been here since they were five, six years old,” he said. “Hopefully by the end of my career, these kids are grown adults. It’s something I’m very thankful for.”

For now, he’ll keep building strength through the summer. The goal is clear: reach “Tyrese Haliburton shape” by October. If Saturday was any sign, he’s well on his way.