Tyrese Haliburton Spoke to LeBron James, Carmelo, Wade About 2024 Olympics Benching
Oct 9, 2024
LILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 3: LeBron James #6, Joel Embiid #11 and Tyrese Haliburton #9 of the USA Men's National Team looks on during the game at the Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 3, 2024 in Lille, France. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Tyrese Haliburton won his first Olympic gold medal with Team USA over the summer, but the Indiana Pacers star didn't get to contribute as much as he would have liked.
Haliburton appeared in just three games and played 26 minutes combined throughout the Olympics. That's a major adjustment for a workhorse who played 32.2 minutes per game for Indiana last season.
In an interview with The Athletic's James Boyd, Haliburton explained how it felt being benched.
"No, I never had that experience in my life," he said. "I think these are special circumstances, being surrounded by 11 of the greatest players in the world, so that's all a part of it."
The 24-year-old said he confided in a group of Team USA legends who once were in a similar position to him.
"For me, when you look at something like that, everybody has had to pay their dues at some point," Haliburton said. "I had a lot of conversations with (LeBron James), (Dwyane) Wade and (Carmelo Anthony) out there. Those guys all played in the 2004 Olympics and didn't really get to play a ton or as much as they wanted to. They kind of got a little taste of being benched."
While he didn't play much of a role on the court, ultimately Haliburton has something no one can take away from him: a gold medal.
"So, I think it's all a part of it. I'm not bigger than any one group, and I'm not too proud to check my ego at the door for a bigger goal," he said. "We won a gold medal, and I get to tell my kids that I was a part of one of the greatest teams ever assembled."
After Team USA won gold, Haliburton didn't have a bad attitude about his limited minutes. Instead, he leaned into the joke on social media.
Haliburton's time to lead Team USA will come. He will be 28 the next time Team USA puts together a squad for the Olympics, and if his career trajectory continues he'll likely be one of the first calls to join the team.
Haliburton is coming off the best seasons of his career, putting up 20.1 points and leading the league in assists with 10.9 per game. He took the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014 but ultimately came up short of bringing home a championship.
Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Not Coveting Respect: 'I Don't Really Care How I'm Viewed'
Oct 9, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers speaks to the media during the Indiana Pacers Media Day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 30, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton is one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, but he's not concerned about perceptions about him from the rest of the league.
Haliburton, who is coming off a banner summer that included a gold medal at the Paris Olympics and a new shoe deal, was asked by The Athletic's James Boyd if he feels he's getting the respect he deserves from the rest of the NBA, and his answer may surprise many.
"That's a great question, and that's a complex question for me. Because to be honest with you, I think I've gotten to the point where I don't really care. I don't really care how I'm viewed," Haliburton said. "I know who I am. My group knows who I am. My coaches, my loved ones, they know who I am. And at the end of the day, the competitors know who I am because they have to scout and be prepared to play against my group. So, I don't really care at this point."
Earlier this week, Haliburton landed a massive shoe endorsement deal with Puma and is now expected to be the future face of the brand.
A two-time All-Star and the 2024 NBA assists leader, Haliburton has inserted himself into the conversation for best point guard in the league.
After leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, he said he's focused on continuing to achieve success in Indiana, which he knows would quell the outside noise.
"I think for me it's just about being the best player I can be, and whatever that is, is for other people to talk about and decide," he said.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton is continuing his ascent toward superstardom, landing a major endorsement contract with Puma.
"I'm super excited to announce that I've joined the PUMA Family," Haliburton said in a press release on Tuesday. "I look forward to being a part of their commitment to the next generation of basketball. PUMA's vision and dedication to supporting athletes align perfectly with my goals, and I'm excited to represent the brand on and off the court."
Nick DePaula of Boardroom and ESPN first reported the 24-year-old had agreed to a "massive" multi-year shoe deal with Puma that will make him the future face of the brand.
Tyrese Haliburton has signed a “massive” multi-year sneaker deal with Puma, per @NickDePaula.
Haliburton raised some eyebrows when he showed up to media day wearing a pair of loafers instead of sneakers. He also had his socks flipped to hide the Nike swoosh, apparently sending a message that he was a sneaker free agent.
Internet had to chime in on Hali rocking the loafers at Media Day 😅👞
Haliburton signed a deal with Nike shortly after entering the NBA as the No. 12 pick in the 2020 draft by the Sacramento Kings. His career has blossomed in Indiana, as he's earned an All-Star selection in each of the last two seasons and he won a gold medal as part of Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
Boardroom had previously reported (h/t HoopsHype) that "brands including Anta, Puma, and New Balance made aggressive pushes all summer to sign" Haliburton. In the end, Puma convinced the 2024 NBA assists leader to join the company.
DePaula's note that Haliburton will be the "future face" of Puma is interesting, as it was previously expected that Charlotte Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball would fill that role. Ball, who had the fourth installment of his signature shoe released last month, has dealt with back-to-back injury-shortened seasons, hindering his career progress.
Puma also made a significant investment in Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson, who was given a signature shoe as a rookie in 2023 and unveiled the second edition at media day. Henderson endured a disappointing rookie season that had many questioning if he was prepared for life in the NBA.
There aren't many questions surrounding Haliburton, as he's helped establish the Pacers as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Fans will be anxiously awaiting the brand's first installment of his signature line.
Video: Pascal Siakam Challenges Hali, Pacers to Not 'F--king Bulls--t' During Season
Sep 22, 2024
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Tyrese Haliburton #0 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers look on during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 27, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Traditionally, the Indiana Pacers are a team that can sneak up on opponents and catch them by surprise, but that will not be the case during the 2024-25 campaign after they reached last season's Eastern Conference Finals.
Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton know that.
Siakam posted a preseason mixtape where he and Haliburton challenge each other and the rest of the team to lock in ahead of the upcoming season.
"Stay together, stay locked in and compete, man," Siakam said. "Every f--king day. There's no day where we come in there and we just f--king bulls--t. Like, every day we're putting the work in."
Siakam is fully committed to the Pacers, who acquired him from the Toronto Raptors via trade last season. He agreed to a four-year, max extension this offseason and will be one of the faces of the team alongside Haliburton.
That duo's ability to match up with the best the Eastern Conference has to offer will ultimately determine Indiana's ceiling. The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers all figure to challenge for a spot in the NBA Finals, and teams such as the Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat could be dangerous as well.
Where that leaves the Pacers remains to be seen, but they have plenty of momentum after their deepest playoff run since the 2013-14 campaign.
But they have to build on that, and Siakam made sure to stress how important it will be to stay dialed in during the season.
Video: Tyrese Haliburton Roasts Magic Fans at WWE NXT; Pacers PG Trolled for Playoffs
Sep 18, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 08: Tyrese Haliburton of the Indianapolis Pacers celebrates during the game between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
If matchups between the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers end up being appointment viewing during the 2024-25 NBA season, remember Tyrese Haliburton's appearance at WWE NXT on Monday.
The Pacers guard was part of the show and brought some of his teammates there, which drew boos from the crowd in Orlando. Haliburton was quick to respond and said, "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan."
It should also be noted that Ethan Page trolled Haliburton for Indiana's Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Boston Celtics.
"If you want to force me to sign this contract, i'll do it," Page said (3 minute mark in the video below). "But let me put this in a way you and your pal here will understand. When it comes to this championship, Ethan Page is the Boston Celtics and on Oct. 1 when I beat you in Chicago, you (Trick Williams) will be like the Indiana Pacers and the rest of the NBA because you're going to have to watch me be victorious."
Orlando and Indiana could be a blossoming rivalry in the Eastern Conference.
After all, the Pacers are coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance and have a talented core that includes Haliburton, Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam. And the Magic reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season and have a bright future with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.
The Magic nearly advanced to the second round but lost in Game 7 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers won a Game 7 to defeat the New York Knicks in the second round but were promptly swept by the Celtics in the conference final.
Boston went on to win the NBA title and put the finishing touches on an excellent season with a win over the Dallas Mavericks.
All eyes will be on the rematches between the Pacers and Celtics during the upcoming campaign, but there could be some additional hype for the games featuring Indiana and Orlando now. And Haliburton surely isn't going to receive a warm welcome when his team is on the road.
Indiana's first game at Orlando comes early in the schedule on Oct. 28.
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Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton 'Not Going Anywhere,' Talks Recruiting Rumors with Team USA
Sep 12, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Tyrese Haliburton of USA warms up during the quarterfinal between USA and Brazil on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton played down his recruiting efforts during the 2024 Summer Olympics to some degree but made his pitch on behalf of the franchise during an interview Wednesday on The Pat McAfee Show.
"The story about me recruiting players to Indiana got blown out of proportion. They made it seem like I was the only one doing it, but everyone was recruiting," he said. "I just play in the smallest market, so when I do it, it gets magnified. That's fine, though. Indiana is a great market. It's a basketball state. We've got a good thing going here, so if anyone wants to play with me, they'll have to come to Indiana. I'm not going anywhere."
The United States national team roster for the Paris Games was filled with a bevy of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers. In the aftermath of Team USA's gold medal victory, Haliburton quipped he "recruited every guy on that team basically."
This is not a new tactic since the Olympics present a rare opportunity to bring many of the NBA's best players together outside of the season. The seeds of the Miami Heat's Big Three era were planted in 2008 when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all competed on the national team.
The Pacers have never been a draw for marquee talent outside of the organization, and people around the NBA have used the city of Indianapolis' "Naptown" nickname derisively to say there isn't much to do.
Perhaps Haliburton, who's already a two-time All-Star, can help to change that perception. Getting Pascal Siakam to sign a $189 million extension was a bit a coup for the Pacers and he may not be the last notable name to sign on to the organization's long-term vision.
Tyrese Haliburton Jokes He 'Recruited Every Guy' on USA Olympic Roster to Join Pacers
Aug 30, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 8: Tyrese Haliburton #9 of the USA Men's National Team smiles after the game during the Men's Semi-Finals on August 8, 2024 at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Tyrese Haliburton joked about recruiting his Olympic teammates to join him on the Indiana Pacers during the 2024 Paris Games.
"I recruited every guy on that team basically," Haliburton said, per Justin Marville of the Oshkosh Northwestern. "Anyone that wants to come join us in Indiana, I'm all for it."
The star point guard was behind Stephen Curry and Jrue Holiday on Team USA's depth chart, appearing in just three of the United States' six Olympic contests.
Haliburton averaged 2.7 points in 8.8 minutes per game, although he shot 3-5 from the field and 2-4 from behind the arc. He didn't take his lack of playing time too seriously, as he poked fun at himself while showcasing his gold medal on social media afterwards.
While Haliburton joked about asking his U.S. teammates to join him in Indiana, stars joining forces after playing alongside each other at the Olympics isn't unheard of.
LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade were all part of the United States men's national team that won gold at the 2008 Olympics. Two years later, they teamed up on the Miami Heat and won two championships while making four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals.
Haliburton already has some experience with attracting star teammates, as the Pacers added Pascal Siakam in a deal with the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 17. Siakam averaged 21.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game following the trade, helping Indiana make a surprise appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Even though the Pacers were ultimately swept by the Boston Celtics, the two-time All-Star still returned to the organization on a four-year contract worth $189.5 million in the offseason.
If Indiana is able to build upon its playoff run during the upcoming 2024-25 season, it's not difficult to imagine disgruntled stars wanting to switch teams and play with Haliburton in the future.
T.J. McConnell, Pacers Agree to $45M Contract Extension Ahead of 2024 NBA Season
Aug 30, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 27: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers drives to the basket during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 27, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers have agreed to a long-term contract with reserve guard and playoff star T.J. McConnell.
McConnell's agents, Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman, told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski their client will sign a four-year, $45 million deal with the Pacers.
Combined with the $9 million remaining on his current deal, McConnell will earn $54 million over the next five seasons.
Indiana has spent big this offseason to keep its core group together following a deep playoff run last season. Pascal Siakam signed a four-year, $189 million deal at the start of free agency in July. Andrew Nembhard received a three-year, $59 million extension.
The 32-year-old McConnell just played an invaluable role on the 2023-24 Pacers, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals. The former Arizona star was exceptional off the bench, averaging 11.8 points and 5.1 assists in 20.5 minutes per game.
He and fellow reserve Obi Toppin provided incredible energy off the bench to help push the Pacers into the third round.
McConnell also had the best regular season of his nine-year career, averaging 10.2 points on 55.6 percent shooting, 5.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds. He finished seventh in the Sixth Man of the Year race.
For these and other reasons, this extension comes as no surprise. Michael Scotto in HoopsHype reported on June 15 that there was a "prevailing notion" around the league that Indiana Pacers would try to sign McConnell to a new deal.
McConnell landed in Indiana as a free agent on a two-year, $7 million deal in 2019 after four seasons on the Philadelphia 76ers. He then inked a four-year, $33,600,000 deal to remain in town through 2025.
McConnell was due $9.3 million (but only $5 million guaranteed) in 2024-25, but now he's earned himself a well-deserved extension after a fantastic year.
Knicks' Jalen Brunson Doesn't Rule Out Tyrese Haliburton WWE Match: 'Never Say Never'
Aug 17, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 10: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 10, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton could be taking their rivalry on the court into the wrestling ring.
The New York Knicks star hinted at the possibility of him and the Indiana Pacers point guard squaring off in a WWE match.
"I'm never going to say never," Brunson said. "But maybe we can speak it into existence."
There was no wrestling match then, but Brunson isn't ruling out the idea of squaring off in the future.
In the meantime, the two will continue exciting fans on the basketball court after having career years last season. Brunson put up 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game while Haliburton dropped 20.1 points and led the league in assists with 10.9 per game.
New York and Indiana gave fans a thrilling seven-game battle in the playoffs with Haliburton's Pacers ultimately coming out on top to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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Pacers 2024-25 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
Aug 15, 2024
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 21: Tyrese Haliburton #0 and Ben Sheppard #26 of the Indiana Pacers react during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers' deepest playoff run in a decade ended in May with a shorthanded Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Boston Celtics.
Can the Pacers build on that run to make it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000?
The Pacers' hopes of a title bid hinge on All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, whose absence the team was unable to overcome when facing the Boston Celtics last postseason.
Here's a look ahead at the biggest matchups of the season as the Pacers look to find out if they have added enough pieces around Haliburton to make this team a title contender next spring.
2024-25 Pacers Schedule Details
Season Opener: at Pistons on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. ET
Championship Odds: +5500 (bet $100 to win $5,500), per FanDuel
Full Schedule: The full schedule is available on NBA.com.
Top Matchups
New York Knicks
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 19: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Haliburton wore a sweatshirt that referenced the 1990's playoff rivalry between these two teams after the Pacers ruined the Knicks' hopes of a trip to the conference finals with their Game 7 conference semifinals victory. Is that a sign this rivalry is about to heat back up?
The Pacers made playoff history with their shooting percentage while defeating a Knicks team that was missing top defenders like OG Anunoby. Another meetup between these two teams with their star players back in the fold will give a better idea of how well the young Pacers are able to match up against a consensus title contender.
Boston Celtics
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics plays defense during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 27, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Celtics' defense proved superior to the Pacers' quick-moving offense as the reigning NBA champions eliminated Indiana from the conference finals in four games.
The Pacers took on that series without Haliburton to match Jrue Holiday, but the Celtics' overall dominance raised questions about how far this team will be able to get without improving on defense. This Eastern Conference Finals rematch will show how much the Pacers have developed since the sweep.
Sacramento Kings
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers attempts a shot while being guarded by Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 02, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
It may have been two years since the trade that brought Haliburton to Indiana and sent Domantas Sabonas to the Sacramento Kings, but that connection between these two quick-moving offensive teams makes this matchup a perennially interesting one.
Now that the Kings have signed DeMar DeRozan, adding to an offense already made dangerous by Sabonas and De'Aaron Fox, this will be a more challenging matchup than ever as the two teams meet again this fall.
Season Forecast
Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin will return to Indiana after signing extensions this offseason. Toppin is looking to build on a career season during which he averaged a personal-best 10.3 points per game, while Siakam will continue to drive the Pacers' offense after putting up more than 21 points per game in both the regular season and playoffs.
It is likely Ben Sheppard will play a bigger role for the Pacers next season as Indiana looks for a replacement for Buddy Hield, the veteran floor-spacer dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in March. The 2023 first-rounder made it into the team's playoff rotation and seems likely to get more opportunities to compete with Andrew Nembhard for playing time next season.
While anticipating the next step in Sheppard's development, the Pacers will also be looking for improved rebounding next season after only Siakam, Myles Turner and Jalen Smith topped five rebounds per game in 2023-24. The team as a whole pulled down 41.5 per game last season, good for 30th in the NBA.
The Pacers have other improvements to target this offseason while shoring up the team's defense. Bennedict Mathurin, the 2022 No. 6 pick who is expected to fully recover from shoulder surgery before the start of the season, will continue developing his shooting off the bench.
The Pacers still have some uncertainties surrounding their young roster, but further improvements from bench players like Toppin, Sheppard and Mathurin, steps forward from starters like Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, and a healthy season from Haliburton could go a long way toward solving the problems that led to the Celtics' sweep of the 2024 conference finals.
Look for Indiana to make the playoffs again next spring, although how far they go from there could depend largely on Haliburton's health. A full season from the two-time All-Star will be crucial to the Pacers' posteason hopes.
