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Among the most anticipated comebacks is that of Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. Having missed the entirety of the previous campaign following an Achilles injury sustained in the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton is eager to return to a competitive landscape that has shifted significantly during his 15-month absence. Similarly, Dallas Mavericks veteran Kyrie Irving is set to return after a 19-month recovery from a torn ACL, with the franchise looking to integrate him alongside rising star Cooper Flagg.
Star Players Eyeing Return to Form
The health of several marquee names remains a primary storyline heading into training camp. In the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is looking to move past two injury-plagued seasons, specifically citing optimism regarding his previously troublesome left knee. Embiid, who has yet to reach a conference final, enters the new season with a revamped roster that includes high-profile additions Jaylen Brown and LeBron James.
In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers are welcoming back two key contributors. Luka Doncic, who missed the team's postseason run due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, has been cleared for full basketball activities since May. Joining him in Los Angeles is center Walker Kessler, who is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the season following a torn labrum that limited him to just five appearances last year.
Other notable returns include Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, who is coming off a torn Achilles, and Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet, who has confirmed he is back to full-time basketball activities. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards are banking on a healthy Anthony Davis to anchor their frontcourt, with the center cleared from the hand injury that sidelined him for the latter half of the previous season.
Monitoring Long-Term Recovery
While many stars are expected to participate in opening-week action, others face a more cautious timeline. Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III, entering the final year of his contract, continues to progress through rehab for a right ACL injury. Sources indicate that while Butler is increasing his on-court workload, he will likely be limited to individual drills when training camp begins, with a return to full contact play not expected until early 2027.
The league will also be watching the progress of players like Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, both of whom underwent surgeries last season. As these athletes return to the floor, their ability to regain their previous form will be a critical factor in determining the competitive hierarchy of the league as the 2026-27 season unfolds.
