Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles tendon injury puts his All-Star rise on hold. Recovery cases like Kevin Durant’s and Klay Thompson’s offer NBA fans insights into Haliburton’s possible return timeline and long-term performance after surgery
Tyrese Haliburton suffers Achilles tendon injury, undergoes surgery
Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles tendon Sunday night, June 22, joining a growing list of NBA stars impacted by this significant lower-body injury. Surgery was completed Monday. The injury halts Haliburton’s All-Star trajectory as the 25-year-old enters his prime years. The setback also immediately affects the Indiana Pacers’ outlook for the 2025-26 NBA season.The Achilles tendon injury is among the most severe in basketball. It has historically altered careers and shifted competitive balances. However, recent player recoveries offer insight into what may lie ahead for Haliburton.
Also read: NBA Finals: Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffers lower right leg injury in Game 7
Comparing Haliburton's injury to Kobe Bryant’s Achilles recovery
Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles tendon in April 2013 near the end of the regular season. At 34 years old, Bryant was still producing at a high level, averaging 27.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game on 46.3 per cent shooting. He was named first-team All-NBA and finished fifth in MVP voting.Following his return in December 2013, Bryant played six games before suffering a knee fracture in the same leg. He missed the rest of the 2013-14 season. In 2014-15, he averaged 22.3 points but shot just 37.3 per cent from the field before a rotator cuff injury ended his campaign. In his final season (2015-16), he averaged 17.6 points on 35.8 per cent shooting. Compounding injuries and age significantly reduced Bryant’s effectiveness after his Achilles injury.
Klay Thompson’s dual injuries provide unique context
Klay Thompson suffered an Achilles tendon injury in November 2020 during his recovery from a torn ACL sustained in the 2019 NBA finals. The Achilles tear caused him to miss two full seasons. Thompson returned for the 2021-22 season at age 31 and has remained an effective NBA player.Also read: Tyrese Haliburton plays through calf strain in game 6 of 2025 NBA finals vs. Thunder
Before his injuries, Thompson was known for elite shooting and strong perimeter defense. Since returning, he has averaged over 20 points per game and maintained a 3-point shooting percentage above 38.5 per cent, though overall shooting dipped to the 41.2 per cent-43.6 per cent range. However, he has not returned to All-Star or All-Defensive levels.
Kevin Durant’s Achilles recovery offers encouragement
Kevin Durant tore his Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA finals after previously suffering a calf strain. He missed the 2019-20 season and returned in 2020-21 at age 32. Since then, Durant has maintained elite performance levels.Durant has averaged no fewer than 26.6 points per game since his return and shot above 51.8 per cent from the field and 38.3 per cent from 3-point range. He has earned All-Star selections each year post-injury and made two All-NBA teams.
His case offers optimism for Haliburton’s recovery, though differences in body type, position, and playing style must be considered.
Long-term outlook for Haliburton, Lillard, and Tatum post-Achilles tear
Damian Lillard (age 34) and Jayson Tatum (age 27) also sustained Achilles tendon injuries during the postseason. Their recoveries will differ due to age and physical demands. Tatum, a 6-foot-8 forward, and Haliburton, a 6-foot-5 guard, face distinct biomechanical challenges.Also read: 2025 NBA finals game 6: Haliburton's status, rebounding, turnovers key for Pacers vs. Thunder
Medical advancements have improved recovery prospects for Achilles injuries, but each player’s path is unique. Historical comparisons show that outcomes depend on age, role, physical condition, and post-surgery rehabilitation.
