NBA Notes: Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, Rockets, Fred VanVleet, Grizzlies

Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton believes he’ll be ready when next season tips off.

Speaking at his Simple Truth Basketball ProCamp, the Pacers star told reporters he’s finally feeling like himself again after spending the past year working his way back from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

“I feel like I’m operating like I’m a healthy NBA player for the first time in a long time, which is exciting,” Haliburton said, via Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files.

Haliburton added that he’s also fully recovered from the bout with shingles he dealt with in April.

Indiana’s fortunes figure to change dramatically if its franchise point guard returns to full strength. After reaching the NBA Finals in 2025, the injury-riddled Pacers slipped to 19-63 this past season.

Now, with center Ivica Zubac having joined the mix, the organization hopes to climb back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Rockets

Fred VanVleet admits he couldn’t believe what doctors were telling him.

Appearing on his Unguarded podcast, the Rockets guard detailed the knee injury that wiped out his entire season, recalling how he initially thought he’d only miss a couple of weeks after suffering what turned out to be a torn ACL and meniscus.

“I said, ‘No, that ain’t mine,’” VanVleet recalled after seeing the MRI results, via Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle. “I didn’t (tear my ACL).”

VanVleet said he argued with doctors for several days before accepting the diagnosis. Now, he’s determined to return with what he described as “a chip on my shoulder.”

Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer already knows what he wants to bring to Memphis.

The No. 3 overall pick said winning will be his top priority as he begins his NBA career with the Grizzlies.

“You play the game to win,” Boozer told Michael Wallace of Grind City Media. “That’s what I’ve done at every level. I hope to bring that to Memphis.”

The Grizzlies are counting on Boozer to become a cornerstone of their next era after selecting the former Duke standout with the third overall pick.