Tyrese Haliburton believes that his comeback should be more significant, and he raises a thought-provoking point.
The Pacers star is gearing up for a triumphant return more than a year after suffering an Achilles tendon injury during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
However, during his recent appearance on the “Numbers on the Board” podcast, Haliburton expressed his feelings after discovering that the Pacers would open the 2026 season in New Orleans, of all places.
The Pelicans are anticipated to struggle this season, with a projected over/under of 27.5 wins according to DraftKings.
“Regardless of where I stand, can you name someone else at my level who, after tearing their Achilles and missing 16 months, would have their comeback game not on national TV?” Haliburton inquired, to which the podcast hosts replied with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Do you believe that game would take place at home instead of being broadcast nationally?” he asked again, receiving confirmation from the hosts. Haliburton then added, “Do you think that game will be in New Orleans?” with a smile.
He continued, expressing his shock when he saw the schedule. “When I saw it, I thought, ‘Wow!’ Shout out to [Pelicans star] Trey Murphy III—I love you, Trey. I really do appreciate New Orleans, but I was taken aback by this,” he said.
Indeed, the Pacers will kick off the season against the Pelicans, not against the Knicks, Cavaliers, Thunder, Pistons, Celtics, Heat, or Hawks.
It’s just the Pelicans.
There isn’t a rivalry between the Pacers and Pelicans, nor have there been any notable recent trades between them.
As Haliburton points out, they’re not even in the same discussions.
This two-time All-NBA player and All-Star guard averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists while shooting 47.3 percent overall and 38.8 percent from beyond the arc in the 2024-25 season.
He notably led the Pacers to Game 7 of the NBA Finals through some remarkable comebacks and standout performances. Unfortunately, he was only able to play seven minutes in that pivotal game before sustaining his injury, yet he managed to sink three 3-pointers.
