Haliburton didn't play a single minute in 2025-26, sidelined the entire campaign after tearing his right Achilles tendon just seven minutes into Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Thunder. He underwent surgery the next day, and Indiana ruled him out for the year that July, effectively punting the season into a "gap year." His rehab progressed encouragingly, though. He was into 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 work by late January, advanced to 5-on-5 by April, and by late June said he felt "great" with no restrictions, claiming he finally felt like a healthy NBA player again. For context, before the injury he was a two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals over 73 games in 2024-25 on trademark efficient shooting, and he remains the unquestioned face of the franchise. Heading into 2026-27, Haliburton is penciled in to return by Opening Night and reclaim his role as Indiana's primary creator and No. 1 option. The biggest question is form. Explosive guards coming back from Achilles tears don't always regain their burst right away, and the Pacers are likely to manage his workload through camp and the preseason. That caution, plus rust from a full year off, tempers his early ceiling. On the plus side, the addition of Ivica Zubac gives him a roll target that should feed his league-leading assist rate, while Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith form a stable supporting cast. Haliburton shouldn't slip past the second round in almost any fantasy format, even with fair concern coming off an Achilles tear. There is still clear potential for first-round value.