There are silver linings, though.
At age 25, Haliburton is young enough to return to his pre-injury form and today’s medical advances could help shorten the expected timetable of about 12 months.
Many players, including some much older than Haliburton, have shown it is possible to make a full comeback from torn Achilles tendons, and Siakam has no doubt Haliburton will join the club.
“I know there’s more coming, it’s just a tough a situation,” Siakam said. “I think back a couple of years and basketball was just not fun, you know, and I got traded here and these guys, they just gave me a boost and playing with these guys is so incredible. I found joy with so much swagger and happiness.”
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That’s unlikely to change regardless of Haliburton’s health because his effusive, contagious personality even in the face of adversity will continue to be a key feature for Indiana. Players such as Siakam won’t allow that to change.