Tyrese Haliburton Left Out as Tatum, Murray Return from Achilles

Tyrese Haliburton made his feelings plain with a Squidward meme, captioned "This how I be watching Dejounte and JT hoop," as he watches Dejounte Murray and Jayson Tatum return from Achilles injuries. Murray rejoined action in late February and Tatum made a startling return in early March less than 10 months after surgery, while Haliburton tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the Finals on June 22 and was ruled out for the 2025-26 season after surgery. Merlin sees the scene as more than social media banter. Fast recoveries from elite players highlight medical strides and the emotional toll on those sidelined, and Indiana must balance urgency with long term care if Haliburton is to reach his peak again.