Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton said he won't have any restrictions as he returns from the torn Achilles that has kept him off the court for more than a year.
"I am healthy. I am 100%. There will be no restrictions," Haliburton told reporters at Pacers media day Monday. "That is not news. There is no source. I am the source. I'm good. I'm ready to go for the year."
Haliburton suffered the right Achilles tear in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals after he tried to play through a calf strain during the Pacers' best shot at a first title. He sat out the 2025-26 season while recovering as the team languished through a franchise-worst 19-63 campaign.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was a bit more conservative about the plan for Haliburton, saying decisions would be made in consultation with the training staff. Carlisle, however, indicated he did not expect Haliburton to be held back much, if at all.
"At this point, it really appears that he has made a great recovery and a great return to play," Carlisle told reporters.
"Do not anticipate a lot of limitations, but we will make sure that we go at the correct pace."
With Haliburton back at full strength to rejoin a team whose major move last season was a deadline trade for center Ivica Zubac, the Pacers are looking to be a contender once again.
"I've worked really hard to get to where I am right now," Haliburton said. "I'm a big believer in my work.
"I've put in an unbelievable amount of time to get to where I am today, so all my belief comes from that."
