Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton shocked the basketball world by revealing he has gained about 30 pounds while rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
The 25-year-old told LeBron James on the ‘Mind The Game’ podcast that he has gained more pounds as he works his way back from the devastating injury. Haliburton’s candid update paints a rare and unfiltered picture of the toll long-term rehab can take on an elite athlete.
Advertisement
He admitted that some of the weight gain came from eating comfort foods early in the recovery process and joked about “drowning his sorrows in cookies and ice cream.” He also said he expects to shed some of the added weight once he begins more intense running and conditioning.
MORE: Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark earns big NBA analyst opportunity
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“I understand it is allowing me to grow in different ways … That’s something I’m really trying to focus on through my rehab, through my time to get back: Being more physical. Like, bro, I’m up today. I was 180 pounds on Game 7 day. I’m 210 right now. Like, I’m up 30 pounds bro,” Haliburton said.
Advertisement
But Haliburton sees a potential silver lining in the numbers. He explained that the extra mass could help him become a more physical offensive threat when he returns to the court.
The Pacers’ point guard said part of his long-term plan is to finish stronger at the rim and get to the free-throw line more often by being tougher through contact, a shift from his previous style of play.
The Achilles tear halted Haliburton’s breakout season and is expected to keep him out for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign. After the injury, the Pacers confirmed he would miss the entire season as he continues his rehabilitation.
Haliburton’s honesty about the physical changes during rehab highlights the often unseen side of major injury recovery for NBA stars. While fans and analysts will understandably focus on his absence, this weight-gain revelation suggests he may be using every aspect of his rehab to come back stronger in future seasons.
Advertisement
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
NFL: Super Bowl LX odds: Opening line for Patriots, Seahawks revealed
NBA: NBA Power Rankings, 30 teams ranked from worst to first
NHL: NHL Power Rankings, 32 teams ranked from worst to first
SPORTS MEDIA: NFL’s crazy preseason Super Bowl 60 graphic resurfaces
WWE: WWE Power Rankings ahead of Royal Rumble
VIRAL: Shaun White pulls off epic Central Park snowboarding stunt over Shane Gillis
The post Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton shares shocking weight gain during Achilles rehab appeared first on The Big Lead.