Tyrese Haliburton has built a strong resume in his six years in the NBA. He was traded to the Indiana Pacers from the Sacramento Kings during the 2021-22 season. Since arriving in Indiana, he has become a two-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA selection, and won the assist title in 2024. He also led the Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2025, where they came within one win of a championship before losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He Still Feels Some Doubters Remain
Even with all he has accomplished, Haliburton knows that some people are still not convinced he is a top player. He is aware that he does not always get the respect he feels he deserves. But the 26-year-old guard from Wisconsin is not letting it bother him too much. He understands that he cannot please everyone. People will always find something to criticise about his game.
His Focus Is on Those Who Matter
In a recent episode of “Boardroom Talks”, Haliburton opened up about how he handles expectations. He said he does not care completely what other people say. He explained that it takes a village to be successful, and he values the opinions of the people he loves and respects. That is what matters to him.
As a competitor, he feels he may never get the full respect he deserves, but he is at peace with that. He said people will always have a problem with something he does. They might say he does not shoot enough, or that his game does not look a certain way, or that he does not defend well enough. He does not care about those outside opinions.
Stars Have Shown Him Respect
Haliburton did share that he appreciates when NBA superstars and his Team USA teammates acknowledge what he has built. He mentioned Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James. He said they have shown him respect both on and off the court. That kind of recognition means more to him than the criticism from others.
He Missed All of Last Season
Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from an Achilles injury. He suffered the injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Now he is healthy and eager to get back on the court. He said he is chomping at the bit and cannot wait to return. He noted that while everyone else feels the summer is long, he has had that feeling for two or three times as long. He is ready to resume his NBA career.
His Numbers Before the Injury
In his last full season, Haliburton played and started in 73 games. He averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. He shot 47.3 per cent from the field and 85.1 per cent from the free-throw line. He made the All-NBA Third Team that year. In the playoffs, he averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists over 23 games during Indiana’s run to the Finals.
He Will Always Have Doubters
Haliburton knows he will continue to have doubters in the NBA. But he also knows better than to let them consume him. His approach is to focus on his team, his loved ones, and the people who believe in him. That mindset has served him well so far. As he prepares to return to the court, he will look to prove once again why he is one of the best guards in the league. The Pacers will need him at his best as they try to build on their recent success.
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