With a growing demand for more physical gameplay in the league, players are adding significant muscle mass to their bodies. Last season, it was Victor Wembanyama. This year, it is Tyrese Haliburton.
The Indiana Pacers guard is back on the basketball court after missing an entire season, and he has used his recovery time to make a major change to his physique. He recently revealed that he now weighs 25 pounds more than he did during the 2025 NBA Finals.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, Haliburton explained that he added considerable muscle during his rehabilitation.
Although he remains officially listed at 185 pounds, the 26-year-old plans to play the 2026-27 season at around 200 pounds.
The physical transformation came after Haliburton ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The injury forced him to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign, leaving Indiana without its leading playmaker as the team finished 19-63.
Article Continues BelowHaliburton finally returned Wednesday, facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in a preseason game at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. The venue holds special significance for the guard, who played college basketball at Iowa State. He also bought tickets for the entire student section, allowing students to attend his comeback game for free.
He played 16 minutes in Indiana's 123-112 victory, finishing with seven points and six assists. The appearance marked an important step after 472 days away from game action.
Indiana will need Haliburton to regain his playmaking form as it tries to rebound from last season's disappointing finish.