Ex-Knicks Star Issues Apology to Tyrese Haliburton After Pivotal American Dream Inches Closer

“Overrated” has been the term that’s swirling around Tyrese Haliburton’s name. The Indiana Pacers’ cornerstone, though, has dimmed opinions. Instead, he is focused on erasing them through his performance. In a surprise turn of events, his clutch display saw Indiana take a 2-0 lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hali has been inspirational during the ongoing postseason run. And his rising to the occasion is turning opinions around.

Not too long ago, Austin Rivers dismantled Haliburton’s position among guards in the NBA. He preferred to have the Hornets’ LaMelo Ball stating the Pacers’ efficient PG “is crab-dribbling around”. But the Pacers have since become a fierce team who are two wins away from a Conference Finals appearance. Amidst Haliburton’s emphatic run, Rivers wasn’t left with much of a choice.

“I had LaMelo over Haliburton, and I made that quote that went viral earlier this year, saying that I don’t think it’s close, and I would much rather have a LaMelo ball than a Tyrese Haliburton. I’m wrong. I was wrong. Again, I think LaMelo has more talent. I think Haliburton has proved to be the better player,” the former Knicks guard mentioned on his ‘Off Guard’ podcast.

Rivers still thinks Ball has the greater potential and skillset. He foresees a competitive environment bringing out the best of the Hornets’ dazzling point guard. But in Haliburton’s case, he is beginning to see the things he missed.

Despite his occasional struggles in shooting the ball or being consistent, Tyrese Haliburton is not short of confidence. Additionally, his impact on the Pacers is undeniable. He might not score a lot, but for the system, his pinpoint playmaking suits their heavy offensive system.

Jan 14, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

In the postseason itself, his incisive playmaking allows for a quickfire Pacers offense. He is averaging 18.4 points and 10.7 assists in the playoffs. Those numbers don’t scream ‘superstar’, but its influence is transformational. Haliburton averages less than two turnovers per game, fueling Indiana to be a top 3 offense in the postseason so far.

If that’s not enough, in the big moments, Haliburton has come up huge for them. Going simply off the numbers can be deceiving, and Tyrese Haliburton is a breathing example of such an archetype. However, even though confident in his abilities, Hali has found help from his peers.

Tyrese Haliburton is inching closer to attaining America’s wishes

Although Tyrese Haliburton seems immune to the overrated label, getting it from his NBA brotherhood must have hurt. Or at the least allowed a shred of disappointment to kick in. Luckily, though, not all of his peers believe his abilities are up to the standard. Some of his conference rivals have actually helped in shaping his high confidence in the Pacers’ stunning run.

Notably, Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum are the two faces Haliburton credits for showing support. They haven’t done so by bolstering or praising. “Having relationships with guys like Jayson and Joel, who are guys that I know at the top of the game, them being honest with me, that’s important. I respect their opinions more than anybody,” Haliburton told The Athletic.

Having spent time together with them at the Paris Olympics, he seems to have developed a close connection with the two NBA stars. In particular, with Embiid not in the postseason, he has taken time to regularly text Haliburton, offering his feedback during this postseason run.

 

Joel Embiid has been giving Tyrese Haliburton advice throughout the playoffs

“Haliburton credits Embiid and Tatum for ‘keeping it 100’ conversations that helped him build that immunity to rejection. Embiid, who has been subject to ridicule as he fails to stay healthy, has been… pic.twitter.com/zHmM1DedjW

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 9, 2025

Their impact has now put him close to achieving something America wants. It’s been a while, but the memories of Haliburton and Jalen Brunson being in a WWE ring together still run fresh in fans’ minds. And not only are the Pacers shocking the number one seed, but Brunson’s Knicks also hold a 2-0 advantage over the reigning champs.

Fans are screaming for a conference finals matchup between the Pacers and the Knicks. A near-rivalry that began as a gimmick for WWE  could manifest in real life. With all the fuel to fire himself up, Tyrese Haliburton is eyeing his chance to make the NBA Finals. New York is no different, with two home games to follow against the Celtics.

If it does happen, the NBA world will be buzzing and watching. While it might not matter to Haliburton, having Tatum give him critical advice might work in his favor if he does happen to face the Knicks.

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