Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has opened up about the gritty reality of his recent Achilles injury while drawing unexpected comparisons to NBA legend Kobe Bryant. During his first public remarks since suffering the season-ending injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the 24-year-old guard revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that he initially attempted to emulate Bryant’s iconic 2013 exit after tearing his Achilles. “Let me walk, Kobe walked,” Haliburton recalled telling himself. “I’m walking.” His effort faltered immediately. “When I got up to take a step, there was no chance,” he admitted, marveling at Bryant’s ability to sink two free throws and walk off unassisted: “The fact that Kobe shot a free throw and walked off is unbelievable.”
The candid remarks sparked divided reactions across social media. While many praised Haliburton’s transparency four weeks into his recovery, critics dismissed the anecdote as overly dramatic. One viral post quipped, “This guy really tore his Achilles and immediately thought of another man,” while others defended Bryant’s legacy, calling him “uncommon among uncommon men.”
Haliburton’s injury update coincided with another major storyline: the departure of Pacers center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $108.8 million deal. Turner, the team’s longest-tenured player, left after Indiana fell short in the Finals despite a breakout postseason run. Haliburton struck a diplomatic tone when addressing his teammate’s exit, telling McAfee: “He’s done a lot here… But it is a business. He’s got to do what’s best for him.”
Questions linger about whether financial constraints influenced Turner’s decision. Pacers President Kevin Pritchard told ClutchPoints that ownership was prepared to enter the luxury tax to retain players, but Turner—as an unrestricted free agent—opted for Milwaukee’s offer. The move positions the Bucks as a stronger Eastern Conference rival, ensuring high-stakes matchups when Haliburton returns.
Though sidelined for the upcoming season, Haliburton’s blend of vulnerability and professionalism has kept him in the spotlight. His reflections not only highlight the physical toll of elite athletics but also underscore how Bryant’s legacy continues to shape players’ mindsets—even in their most vulnerable moments. As the Pacers regroup, fans await both Haliburton’s eventual comeback and the renewed rivalry with Turner’s Bucks.
