Tyrese Haliburton Gets Positive Health Update from Pacers Coach
**Tyrese Haliburton** received a hopeful health update from Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle on July 9, 2026, as the team opened its Summer League schedule with a 99‑93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rick Carlisle told reporters that Haliburton has been participating in full‑court 5‑on‑5 drills for “a long time.” He described the recovery as “a bit of a journey,” but emphasized that the point guard is “aggressively attacking the summer.” The coach’s tone was upbeat, suggesting the former NBA Finals MVP is on track to rejoin practice sessions without a strict minute cap.
Haliburton missed the entire 2025‑26 season after tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury forced Indiana to a 19‑63 record, the worst in the league. A clean bill of health could change the Pacers’ offseason strategy, allowing them to build around a fully functional star rather than a cautious, limited‑minute option.
In the 2024‑25 campaign, Haliburton appeared in 73 games, averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals while shooting 47.3% from the field and 38.8% from three‑point range. Those numbers placed him among the league’s elite point guards, even though they dipped slightly from his 2023‑24 output. At 26, he still has the prime years ahead of him, and the Pacers have added veterans Ivica Zubac and Kelly Oubre Jr. to complement his skill set.
The Pacers will face the Philadelphia 76ers in their next Summer League game on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. ET. While the schedule remains flexible, the organization appears ready to ease Haliburton back into competitive minutes, avoiding the “push too far too fast” scenario that could jeopardize his long‑term health. If his progress continues, Indiana could enter the 2026‑27 regular season with a fully operational floor general, dramatically improving their chances after a dismal previous year.
Haliburton’s return reshapes the Eastern Conference power balance. A healthy Pacers roster, anchored by a restored Haliburton, adds another contender to a field that includes the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and the rising Philadelphia 76ers. Teams will need to account for his playmaking and scoring ability when planning defensive schemes, especially in the early part of the season when roster adjustments are still fresh.
The positive update from Carlisle marks a turning point for a franchise that struggled without its star. As the Summer League progresses, fans and analysts will watch closely for any signs that Haliburton is truly back to his pre‑injury form.