NBA Notes: Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Hornets

Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton apparently wanted to save everyone some time at media day.

Before taking questions Monday, the Pacers star announced that he is fully recovered from the torn Achilles that cost him all of last season.

“Before you ask a question, I am healthy. I’m 100%. There will be no restrictions,” Haliburton said, per Mark Giannotto of USA Today. “That is not news. There’s no source. I am the source. I’m good. I’m ready to go for the year.”

Well, that settles that. Haliburton also made it clear Indiana isn’t looking merely to ease him back into things. He said a successful season means winning a championship, after the Pacers went 33-49 without him last year.

Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t particularly interested in celebrating everything the Thunder accomplished last season.

Oklahoma City won an NBA-best 64 games and Gilgeous-Alexander captured his second straight MVP award. The Spurs then eliminated the Thunder in the Western Conference finals.

SGA used one word to describe the ending at the time: Failure. He told reporters Monday that he learned from it and believes he’s an even better player now, according to The Oklahoman.

“I feel like I got better this summer, for sure,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

He also acknowledged that it “sucks” to lose longtime teammates Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, all of whom departed during an offseason roster reshuffle.

Hornets

Brandon Miller appears ready to go after an offseason that included surgery on his left shoulder.

Miller said at media day that he’s been participating in full-contact workouts for roughly three weeks and won’t wear the shoulder wrap that became a familiar sight last season, as relayed by Rookie Wire.

“It’s been a long summer with the labrum surgery,” Miller said. “I’m back and doing a lot better.”

Hornets basketball operations chief Jeff Peterson said Miller is expected to be a full participant in training camp, though Charlotte will continue monitoring him.

Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season. He also showed up heavier after adding muscle, checking in at 210 pounds after being listed at 200 a year ago.