Tyrese Haliburton Tells LeBron Funny 2024 Olympics Story—And Injury Update

The Paris Summer Games and men’s basketball will go down in history. It led to one of best gold medal matches ever between the home country and Team USA. Seriously, who can forget Steph Curry going off in the fourth quarter? Nevertheless, as fun as it to watch everything play out; it’s also nice to know what went on behind the scenes. With that in mind the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton told LeBron James a funny 2024 Olympics story during a recent Mind The Game podcast.

As part of a two part episode, James and Haliburton were shooting the breeze and talking ball when they began to reminisce about the Paris Olympics. Tyrese Haliburton recalled the very moment he realized he wasn’t playing in the global spotlight. He says,

“We’re in the back doing film and we have the team meeting where we acknowledge that all 12 guys can not play. Steve [Kerr] starts talking everybody can’t play, Bron is talking how he didn’t play in the 04 Olympics that much, Kd is over there saying we’re all 12 all stars, everybody is good. I’m sitting there listening and I’m like yeah. As we start film I’m like, but who are they talking about? I’m looking around like, he’s not talking about him, he’s not talking about him, I’m like ahhh, they talking bout me!

I’m watching film, I can’t even pay attention to film. I’m like, ‘Damn it’s over. It’s over man. I ain’t getting no PT out here.”

Well, although Tyrese wasn’t a “main component” of USA men’s basketball for Paris. He STILL made the team, proving that he’s a very talented player. Plus, since the class understood the assignment and won; he got to share in the spoils. Hopefully in 2028 he’ll get to be showcased more on the world stage.

Tyrese Haliburton Tells LeBron Funny 2024 Olympics Story—And Injury Update

Nevertheless, during the podcast Tyrese also gave a brief update on his health. Haliburton had suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Thus, causing the Pacers star to undergo surgery and miss the entire 2025-26 season.

Nonetheless, Haliburton is making good progress and told James, “Man I feel really good my body feels good. Just started playing 3-3 and 4-4 full court that’s been good. I’m playing with interns and player development guys and I feel so nice and think I can play in the NBA right now. Then the other day had the low minute guys come in and play with us. So I’m guarding Bennedict Mathurin told him to go at me I’m fine need to see where I’m at. He hesi me one time he was at the rim I was still at the 3 point line. I still got to give myself some grace. Understand it’s still going to take some time.”

Well nice, progress. And we are glad to hear it! Loving the positivity as Haliburton makes his way back to the court. We are certainly looking forward to seeing him back in action with his Indiana teammates down the road.

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