Tyrese Haliburton Reveals Emotional Moment After Tearing Achilles, Says He Tried to Walk Like Kobe Bryant But Couldn’t: “The Fact That Kobe Shot a Free Throw and Walked Off Is Unbelievable”
Tyrese Haliburton, one of the NBA’s rising stars and the face of the Indiana Pacers, recently opened up about one of the most difficult moments of his career—tearing his Achilles tendon. The incident, which immediately brought comparisons to Kobe Bryant’s iconic injury moment in 2013, left Haliburton not only physically devastated but also emotionally reflective. In a raw and candid recounting, Haliburton admitted that he tried to emulate Bryant’s legendary toughness by walking off the court after the injury but quickly discovered that what Kobe did was not just rare—it was near superhuman.
The moment Haliburton realized something was wrong came abruptly. One second, he was competing at full throttle, trying to make a play like he always does, and the next, he was on the floor, pain shooting through his leg. It was a feeling no athlete wants to experience. As the training staff rushed to his side, the memory of Kobe Bryant’s Achilles tear loomed large in his mind. Bryant, after tearing his Achilles in 2013, famously remained in the game, hit two free throws, and walked off the court on his own. That moment has since become a symbol of mental toughness and elite pain tolerance in sports lore. For Haliburton, it was also a personal inspiration.
Haliburton recalled the intense moment: “Let me walk. Kobe walked. I’m walking,” he told the trainers, determined to show the same grit as one of his basketball idols. However, reality hit hard. As he attempted to rise and take a step, he immediately realized the extent of the injury. “There was no chance,” he admitted. The disappointment wasn’t just about not being able to walk—it was about the realization that he was facing a long road to recovery and that his season, perhaps even more, could be in jeopardy. In that moment, Haliburton gained a new level of respect for what Kobe Bryant accomplished.
“The fact that Kobe shot a free throw and walked off is unbelievable,” Haliburton said with awe. “I have no idea how he did it. I couldn’t even put any weight on my leg.” This comparison isn’t just about physical capability—it speaks volumes about the legends who came before, and the impossible standards they set. Haliburton’s words echoed the sentiments of countless fans and players who have watched that replay of Bryant time and time again, trying to understand how sheer willpower could overcome such immense pain.
For Haliburton, the incident became a pivotal moment—not just physically but mentally. Injuries are a part of sports, and the Achilles tear is one of the most feared for basketball players. It’s an injury that has derailed many careers. The rehabilitation process is grueling, and the mental strain is just as taxing as the physical. Yet in the aftermath of the injury, Haliburton showed resilience in the face of adversity. Even though he couldn’t walk off like Kobe, his attempt to do so spoke volumes about his mindset.
Since joining the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton has grown into more than just a playmaker—he has become a leader, the team’s emotional center, and a beacon of hope for the franchise’s future. His rise has been swift and compelling, marked by dazzling passes, clutch performances, and an infectious energy that lifts his teammates. So when he went down with a serious injury, it wasn’t just a blow to the roster—it was a seismic shift in the Pacers’ trajectory.
The response from fans and fellow players was immediate. Social media lit up with messages of support, and clips of Kobe’s Achilles moment were circulated alongside Haliburton’s statement. The basketball community is one that understands the bond between current stars and legends. Haliburton’s attempt to channel Kobe in his most painful moment reminded many why sports heroes matter. They aren’t just people who score points—they inspire, set standards, and remind others what is possible.
Kobe Bryant has always had an almost mythical place in the basketball world. Stories about his pain tolerance, mental discipline, and commitment to greatness are legendary. Haliburton’s experience only added another layer to that mythology. To try to replicate a moment of Kobe’s toughness, only to find out how unreachable it truly is, gave even more depth to the original moment. It also humanized Haliburton in a way that fans deeply relate to. He didn’t pretend to be superhuman. He tried, he failed, and he admitted it publicly—not as weakness, but as reverence.
Injuries often provide players with new perspectives. For Haliburton, this has become a time for reflection. The injury has given him a renewed sense of appreciation—not just for his own body and career, but for the sacrifices and endurance of players who came before him. He’s now on the other side of what every athlete fears, and he’s determined to come back stronger.
While the timeline for Haliburton’s return is still being monitored, all reports indicate that he’s embracing his rehabilitation with the same intensity he brings to the game. His goal is not just to return but to lead the Pacers to success when he does. The franchise is being patient, fully supportive of his recovery, and confident that their star point guard will reclaim his form.
What makes Haliburton’s story so compelling is his transparency. In an age where athletes are sometimes hesitant to show vulnerability, his honesty about the injury, his attempt to walk like Kobe, and his immediate failure has made him more relatable than ever. Fans are drawn not just to what athletes do on the court, but to who they are in moments of adversity. And in that context, Haliburton has emerged not just as a star, but as a real leader.
As the NBA continues to evolve, moments like these remind everyone of the human element behind the highlight reels. Kobe Bryant’s influence is still felt every day in the league—not just in the way players train or compete, but in how they respond to their most painful setbacks. Tyrese Haliburton’s story is now forever linked to that legacy—not because he matched Kobe, but because he tried to, and in doing so, highlighted just how extraordinary that original moment really was.
For now, fans wait and hope. Haliburton’s absence is felt deeply on the court, but his spirit remains a driving force for the Pacers. His injury has become more than a physical setback; it’s become a narrative about resilience, legacy, and the enduring impact of the greats who came before. When he finally does return, it will be more than just a comeback—it will be a continuation of a story that began with heartbreak but is destined for redemption.
In the meantime, Haliburton remains a student of the game, watching film, supporting his teammates, and continuing to grow. His admiration for Kobe Bryant has taken on new meaning, not just as a fan or a player, but as someone who now understands firsthand the pain and courage behind that famous walk to the free-throw line. And when the time comes for him to step back onto the court, you can be sure he’ll do it with the same determination—not to match legends, but to honor them by carving his own unforgettable path.
