Tyrese Haliburton reveals severe shingles battle delayed Achilles recovery
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has revealed that a severe battle with facial shingles significantly delayed his recovery from a torn right Achilles.
The 26-year-old missed the entirety of the NBA season after suffering the devastating leg injury during Game 7 of last June’s Finals.
While rehabilitating, the point guard was diagnosed with the viral infection in February and forced to step away from the franchise.
He has since experienced extreme swelling, a rash, and the loss of part of his eyebrow.
Physical toll and medication changes
Speaking to reporters in Indianapolis on Monday, the former lottery pick explained the harrowing physical impact of the past two months.
“I couldn’t even go in front of a camera if I wanted to early, because my eye was basically closed shut.”
The American playmaker also appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, detailing how multiple medication changes and a Botox injection were required to manage the pain.
A side effect of his latest prescription has resulted in noticeable weight gain and a puffy facial appearance.
Setbacks in Achilles rehabilitation
Although the illness did not cost him additional playing time, it served as a frustrating setback during an already tedious rehabilitation process.
The Pacers talisman was initially scheduled to begin full-contact scrimmages following the All-Star break.
Instead, those crucial basketball activities were postponed until last week while he isolated.
Despite the delays, the franchise cornerstone noted that his surgically repaired leg no longer causes him any concern.
Focus shifts to summer healing
His attention now shifts to a crucial off-season of healing from the lingering viral symptoms and returning to peak physical condition.
Having watched his father suffer from a stomach infection caused by the same virus last year, he offered a stark warning to the public.
“I would tell anybody over 50 years old to get the shingles vaccine. This has sucked.”