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Haliburton Embraces “Bulking Season” and Strategic rehab Following Achilles Tear

Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers’ star point guard, is navigating a challenging recovery after tearing his Achilles tendon, an injury that mirrors the setbacks faced by NBA luminaries like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum. While his timeline for a return is set for the 2026-27 season, Haliburton is proactively using this period to strengthen his body and deepen his understanding of the game.

The Pacers’ franchise player recently hosted Kevin Durant, who himself experienced an Achilles tear in the 2019 NBA Finals, at his home. Haliburton has also been in regular communication with Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who is on a similar recovery path after an Achilles injury sustained in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Even though tatum’s rehabilitation is slightly ahead, both players are expected to miss the entirety of the upcoming season.

Currently relying on a scooter and keeping his injured leg elevated, Haliburton has had limited interaction with a basketball.However, his presence has been a constant at Indiana Fever games, including the WNBA All-Star game and its associated events in indianapolis over the weekend. Much of his downtime has been spent at home,engaging with video games.

This enforced break from high-impact activity presents a unique chance for Haliburton to focus on his upper body strength. Known for his slender build and past struggles with adding muscle, this period without basketball and extensive cardio work is ideal for him to “bulk up.”

“I started lifting two weeks ago upper body,” haliburton shared, hinting at his progress.”I’m in a hoodie, you can’t tell, but I’m jacked under this hoodie. Bulking season.”

Haliburton witnessed firsthand the recovery journeys of teammates Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, both of whom also dealt with Achilles tendon tears last season. However, as backup centers, their integration back into the team was more gradual. As the face of the Pacers franchise, Haliburton intends to maintain a strong presence within the organization, both on and off the court, throughout his rehabilitation.

“I haven’t even thoght about what the season will call for,” Haliburton admitted. “I problably won’t be traveling as much early in the year depending on what stage of rehab I’m in.But I still want to be around the guys as much as possible. I think I want to take this time to keep growing my mind for the game. Being around coach (Rick) Carlisle. Sit in on coaches meetings. (Kevin) Pritchard, talking to those guys and helping. I feel like I have a pretty decent basketball mind myself. So I’m just trying to help the guys as best as I can. I’m going to be on the bench as soon as I can walk.”

His ultimate objective remains a full return for the 2026-27 season, with the ambition of leading the Pacers back to championship contention.

“I’m going to fight like hell to get back and hopefully get this opportunity to win a championship again,” Haliburton stated with determination. “But that’s not guaranteed. That feeling definitely sits with me sometimes and that sucks, but I can’t really control the past. I can’t control what’s to happen in the future. All I can do is just attack this rehab as best as I can and figure it out that way.”