On August 24th , Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton returned to the court. Although he still has some time to go before he can truly resume training, the progress he has made in his recovery has made him smile again. Two months ago, he collapsed in the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals due to a right Achilles tendon injury, ending his season in a painful manner.

" I'm now able to walk in my boots and am almost back in my regular shoes, which is exciting, " Halliburton said. " Every few weeks there's new progress, new accomplishments. Even though every day feels like a repetition, I take it as a small victory. "

Even more noteworthy is his ongoing rehabilitation with Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star and two-time WNBA All-Star, who is also sidelined due to injury. " It's unfortunate that she's been out for so long, but we're training and lifting together almost every day now, and it's important to have each other's company, " Haliburton said.

The youth camp was originally scheduled for late June but was postponed due to Haliburton's injury. On the night of his injury, he watched the game from the locker room with his father by his side before leaving the arena on crutches. Ultimately, he required surgery and is expected to miss the entire season. Despite this, Haliburton stated he would not rush his return.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard also suffered Achilles tendon injuries during the playoffs and are expected to miss the entire season. Tatum even called the six weeks following his injury the " hardest time " of his life . On the Pacers, Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman also missed extended periods of time due to Achilles tendon injuries last year and are now nearing a return. Their experience and encouragement have become a crucial psychological support for Haliburton.