If there is one way to shut the mouths of your critics, it’s to take what they critique you on and throw it in their faces. That is essentially what Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is doing to one critic after another. Many of those critics are his peers, as was made evident in The Athletic’s 2024-25 NBA players survey. Haliburton was voted the most overrated player in the league. It was nonsense then, and it remains nonsense now as Haliburton is taking over these playoffs and is on the verge of surpassing Reggie Miller as the greatest Pacer of all time. That said, Haliburton’s game is unique, and while many don’t see him as one, he is a true point guard. Yet, much criticism lately has focused on his game, and Haliburton recently addressed the critique.
Clutch Specialist Tyrese Haliburton Responds to Critics
Tyrese Haliburton issues response to his many critics regarding his playing style and numbers
The daily debate on morning and afternoon sports talk shows right now is whether or not Haliburton is a superstar. Many say he’s not, while many say the opposite. Unfortunately, his numbers appear to have victimized him in the eyes of critics who vote “no” to the superstar question. Haliburton isn’t a scoring machine—he’s better than that. He’s an all-around player who excels in many areas rather than being exceptional in just one. His greatest quality might be his ability to make everyone around him better, a rare gift in today’s NBA.
While several factors have made Haliburton a target for criticism, despite his incredible playoff run, it’s Haliburton’s production and shooting form that draws the most criticism. Haliburton recently responded to the debate about his unique shot, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, and didn’t shy away from admitting that he’s likely not making any changes anytime soon.
“It’s unorthodox,” said Haliburton. “My jumper, the way it looks, it [has] always been criticized coming into the NBA. I think that was honestly a big part of it. I think sometimes I affect the game that isn’t necessarily the gaudy, box score numbers. The way the game is digested by the fans sometimes. I think it’s a lot of boxscore watchers. So when my box score doesn’t look the way it’s supposed to, that’s a part of it as well. I don’t know the answer, but I know it’s probably not going to stop anytime soon.”
Nothing about these playoffs is overrated
So far, Haliburton is putting to bed the “overrated” label that many around the league hoisted above his head. Haliburton has hit several timely shots in this postseason run, including some dazzling game-winners and buzzer-beaters. Has luck played a role? Yes, maybe a little, but that doesn’t detract from Haliburton’s present aura, which has the Pacers one game ahead in the finals over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Pacers legend Miller did many years ago what Haliburton is doing now, and it’s a sight to behold and a delight to watch. He was never overrated, but even if you believed him to be, he’s done enough to shed that insult. Whether Indiana can pull out the upset over OKC is a wait-and-see game. How Haliburton continues to play will be under the microscope even more. That said, he’s been excellent under that microscope, and there are no signs of him slowing down.
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