Tyrese Haliburton undergoes surgery for a torn Achilles injury; How long does full recovery take?

In a heartbreaking turn of events during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton collapsed on the court, suffering a torn right Achilles tendon. The severity of the injury was soon confirmed, prompting his immediate transport to New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, where he underwent reconstructive surgery.

Although the treatment he received was immediate, Haliburton is far from being ‘fine’. In fact, the Pacers star is now facing a grueling journey beyond the 2025–26 season.


Understanding Achilles surgery:

A torn (ruptured) Achilles tendon means the powerful fibrous band connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone has partially or completely torn. In case of a partial tear, only some fibers are damaged. You might still walk, albeit with weakness and pain. Healing could occur with bracing (boot, cast, or splint), ice, rest, and physical therapy. Meanwhile, a complete tear means the tendon is fully severed, in which case, walking or rising on your toes becomes nearly impossible. Treatment usually involves surgery to stitch the tendon ends back together, followed by months of immobilization and rehab.


Now, an Achilles rupture typically demands surgical intervention, especially for elite athletes aiming to return to peak performance.

During an open Achilles repair, surgeons meticulously suture the torn tendon ends, often employing reinforcement techniques and securing the repair in a protective boot. While effective, this pathway carries typical surgical risks like infection, nerve injury, and clotting.

Post-surgery, the athlete’s leg is immobilized – first in a cast or splint, then transitioned to a controlled rehab boot. Gentle range‑of‑motion therapy and partial weight‑bearing begin around weeks 2–6, followed by gradual boot removal by week 12.


Road to recovery: Through rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after Achilles repair is a crucial and multi-phase process:

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Phase 1 (0–6 weeks): Immobilization and protected healing in a boot, with early gentle motion recommended.

Phase 2 (6–12 weeks): Transition to full weight‑bearing, continuation of motion work, and beginning calf-strengthening.

Phase 3 (3–6 months): Focus intensifies on calf strength, agility drills, and slow return to running.

Phase 4 (6+ months): Sport-specific training, plyometrics, and basketball drills—with a full return to competitive basketball often stretching 9–12 months post-surgery.

Elite athletes typically remain sidelined for 8–12 months, with variations depending on individual healing, age, surgical timing, and rehab intensity.


The timeline of ‘comeback’: Lessons from case studies

General NBA averages: A 2024 study, as reported by Fox Sports, spanning 45 NBA players with Achilles ruptures reported a mean recovery timeline of around 10–11 months (~329 days) with an approximately 80% likelihood of return to play – but only about 27% regained pre-injury productivity levels. Post-injury performance often declines, and athletes typically play fewer minutes throughout their careers.


High‑profile comebacks: Jayson Tatum (27) had surgery shortly after tearing his Achilles in May 2025 and is poised for a cautious return in 8–12 months – possibly by mid-season – but full trust in the leg may take a year or more.

Kevin Durant (30), who suffered a similar injury in June 2019, spent 18 months rehabilitating before returning in December 2020. He has remained productive, though his workload has been carefully managed.

Klay Thompson and Dominique Wilkins returned in roughly 14 and 10 months, respectively, with Thompson contributing to a championship team.

Conversely, the late Kobe Bryant came back in roughly 8–9 months, but later grappled with injuries and decreased explosiveness.

Effects of age and surgical timing: Quicker surgical intervention – ideally within a day – appears to improve rehab outcomes. Young athletes (like Haliburton, aged 25) are statistically more likely to recover strongly and more quickly.


Putting things into perspective

Like Tatum, Haliburton received nearly immediate surgery by a top-tier specialist, a strong start. However, it is only rational to expect a minimum of 8 months off the court, while a fully confident, basketball-ready return likely takes 10–12 months – potentially late 2025 or early 2026. There's an 80% chance he returns to play. Restoring peak explosiveness (e.g., first-step quickness, jumping ability) may take up to two years. However, this goes without saying – confidence in the repaired tendon is as critical as the physical healing, a process that may lag behind physical strength.

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