Five NBA Superstars Ready to Make Huge Comebacks in 2026-27ex

Finally, the NBA is about to get several of its biggest names back.

After a 2025-26 season shaped by major injuries, Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard and Luka Doncic are all preparing to return, while Jimmy Butler continues his recovery ahead of a possible mid-season comeback.

For some teams, getting their superstar back could completely reshape the playoff picture.

Tyrese Haliburton

Indiana have been waiting more than a year for this.

Haliburton ruptured his right Achilles during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and missed the entire following season. He had averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 2024-25, helping the Pacers reach a second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals before their run to the championship series.

Now 26, Haliburton has returned to five-on-five work and is closing in on his competitive comeback.

Kyrie Irving

Irving has not played an NBA game since tearing the ACL in his left knee in March 2025.

Dallas ultimately ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 campaign, giving the nine-time All-Star an extended recovery period.

Before the injury, Irving was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists, shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range.

He has been playing pickup basketball this summer and could return alongside Cooper Flagg when the new season begins.

Damian Lillard

One of the NBA's great homecomings is almost ready. Lillard tore his left Achilles during Milwaukee's 2025 playoff series against Indiana and subsequently returned to Portland in free agency.

The 36-year-old averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds during his final Bucks season, while shooting 37.6% from three.

Now he gets another chapter with the franchise where he became a nine-time All-Star.

Luka Doncic

Doncic's absence was shorter but hugely significant. A Grade 2 left hamstring strain ruled the Lakers superstar out of the entire 2026 postseason after he had won the NBA scoring title during the regular season.

He was cleared for full basketball activity in May and should be ready from the start of the campaign.

Jimmy Butler

Golden State face the biggest wait. Butler tore his right ACL in January after averaging 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.4 steals across 38 games for the Warriors.

He remains in rehabilitation, with a January or February return considered an optimistic target.

If Butler gets back at full strength, Golden State could gain one of the league's biggest mid-season reinforcements without making a trade.