ESPN: Tyrese Haliburton's MRI on Leg Injury Wasn't Announced by Team USA in Olympics

Many wondered why Team USA point guard Tyrese Haliburton spent most of his time at the Paris Olympics riding the bench, and it turns out he was a little banged up.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Haliburton suffered "a minor leg injury" during the Olympics that kept him off the floor.

"Team USA didn't announce it, but he had an MRI, sources said," Windhorst stated.

Haliburton didn't play in Team USA's semifinal game against Serbia or Saturday's gold-medal matchup against France. He saw action in three out of the six games in the Olympic tournament and totaled eight points and two assists in just over 26 minutes on the floor.

Despite the lack of playing time, Haliburton didn't let that ruin the experience of his first Olympics. After Team USA defeated France 98-87 to win the gold medal, he even poked fun at himself on social media:

It would have been difficult for Haliburton to see time on the floor even if he were healthy, as the Team USA roster was crowded with stars and needed some players to sacrifice for the greater good. Jayson Tatum, who was thought to be an important piece after leading the Boston Celtics to the 2024 NBA championship, struggled to earn playing time and had multiple DNPs that surprised many.

Haliburton's quiet showing in Paris won't affect his standing with USA Basketball going forward. Windhorst stated that the 24-year-old was simply "caught in a numbers game," and he "still has a future with the program." It can be expected that he will have a bigger role with the team at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.