Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Gives 'Exciting' Health Update After Injury Rehab, Shingles Diagnosis

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton provided an encouraging update as he continues preparing for his return to the court in the 2026-27 NBA season.

In addition to his arduous recovery from a torn Achilles, the dynamic guard suffered from shingles earlier this year. Finally back to 100 percent, he told reporters Saturday he's "operating like I'm a healthy NBA player."

Most expected Haliburton to miss all of this past season due to the severity of his Achilles injury. His shingles diagnosis was something he didn't plan for.

"I couldn't even go in front of a camera if I wanted to early, because my eye was basically closed shut," he told reporters in April. "It was all over my face."

Without Haliburton, the Pacers had the second-worst record (19-63) in the league, and the season was made worse by the fact they traded away their 2026 first-round pick. The Los Angeles Clippers used it to take Illinois guard Keaton Wagler.

It should be full steam ahead for Indiana next fall with Haliburton healthy, but general manager Chad Buchanan acknowledged there could be some rust to shake off.

"He looks good, his mood, his energy, his charisma is there," Buchanan told reporters. "He's anxious to get back, but he's also, and we're going to be the same way; we're also patient about this as well. You're away from the game for as long as he'll be away once he steps back on the floor. It's not going to be instantly, back to Tyrese. I think we all have to have some grace with him. He knows that's going to be part of his recovery that I'm not going to be myself instantly."

Haliburton at least has the entire summer to ramp up physically for opening night.