Tyrese Haliburton Trolls Himself in Viral Photo After USA Wins Olympic Gold Medal
Aug 10, 2024
USA's #09 Tyrese Haliburton goes to the basket in the men's quarterfinal basketball match between Brazil and the USA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 6, 2024. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Team USA guard Tyrese Haliburton told it like it is after he played just 26 minutes overall and sat three of six games en route to his team winning Olympic gold in Paris.
The Indiana Pacers superstar, who made the All-NBA Third Team last season, just led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals after averaging 20.1 points and 10.9 assists per game. But he fell victim to a numbers game on Team USA, a squad full of superstars.
Fans on X certainly noticed Haliburton's lack of playing time and also his hilarious self-awareness.
Ultimately, Haliburton was deemed great enough to be on this team of exceptional talents. While he didn't contribute much, he's still an Olympic gold medalist.
Plus, he's a leading candidate to be a key contributor on the 2028 Olympic team and could very well be starting at point guard.
For now, though, Halliburton can enjoy an incredible ride in Paris that resulted in Team USA winning its fifth straight gold medal.
Tyrese Haliburton Sends Message to NBA Rivals: 'I'm Gonna Be Around for a Long Time'
Jul 25, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Tyrese Haliburton #9 of the USA Basketball Men's Team. dribbles the ball during the game against the Canada Basketball Men's Team on July 10, 2024 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images)
Led by Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers just reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014.
The 24-year-old Haliburton, now a two-time All-Star, enjoyed a tremendous season. However, he wants his doubters and rivals to know that he's not done by any means.
"I'm gonna be around for a long time," Haliburton said in an exclusive interview with GQ'sAndrew Greif. "And I have full faith in that. and I gotta prove that, of course, but I guess my biggest thing is, like: this is not a one-time thing, by any means."
Haliburton, who is currently representing Team USA men's basketball in Paris for its quest for a fifth straight Olympic gold medal, also takes umbrage with doubters counting out Indiana potentially contending again in favor of other teams.
"All I keep seeing is, 'Who's going to win the East? Boston, Milwaukee, New York, or Philly?'" Haliburton added.
"It's like, what are we doing [not being included]? But again, we're Indiana, people didn't even know, people didn't even watch us play until the playoffs. People didn't watch us play until the second round. But again, that respect comes with winning. So if we want to gain that respect, we just got to keep having success as a team. And it's coming."
Haliburton has just posted two straight 20-10 seasons, averaging 20.1 points and an NBA-high 10.9 assists in his last campaign. But it's very clear that he's not satisfied.
"I'm coming into this year, and whether it's the case or not, viewing it like everybody thinks my success in the first half of last season was a fluke, and I got to prove it again," Haliburton said.
"And that's just who I am and that's how I'm just cut that way. That's the fun part about it for me: it's just another chip on my shoulder, [added] to the thousands that are already there."
While Haliburton said that he has "a lot to be happy about" and that he's "blessed," he also expressed his desire for greatness.
"I'm greedy, I want to be great," Haliburton said. "So, I mean, what is there to be satisfied about?"
Haliburton has already authored a great resume after just four years in his career, capped by his first All-NBA team nod this season (third team). Of course, there's still more he can accomplish, such as an Eastern Conference title and NBA title on the team side or a higher All-NBA team honor or an MVP honors on the individual side. But the fact of the matter is he's done so well already, and an Olympic gold medal is squarely in his sights now too.
Ultimately, there's no questioning Haliburton's desire for greatness and his competitive nature, and that attitude could easily make him a mainstay among the NBA's greats for some time.
Andrew Nembhard Signs $59M Pacers Contract; Updated Salary Cap in 2024 Free Agency
Jul 24, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 25: Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers reacts to a foul against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 25, 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers and guard Andrew Nembhard have agreed to a three-year, $59 million extension, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
The contract is the maximum allowable over the three-year term, Wojnarowski noted.
Nembhard will play the 2024-25 season at a cap hit of just over $2 million.
The extension kick in for 2025-26, replacing his current $2.19 million club option with an $18.1 million cap hit, per ESPN's Bobby Marks:
The new deal will not impact the Pacers' 2024-25 salary cap, which is currently in luxury tax territory but $7.3 million below the first apron, per Spotrac.
After agreeing to the new deal, the Pacers are currently projected to have approximately $32.89 million in first apron space, and $44.8 million in second apron space, heading into the 2025-26 season, per Spotrac.
The team may need to use some of that space to re-sign or replace center Myles Turner, who is currently scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
The Pacers will also need to make a decision regarding point guard T.J. McConnell, whose current contract also expires at the end of the 2024-25 season. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported in June that the Pacers are looking to lock in McConnell "long-term."
Another notable contract or trade to negotiate during the upcoming season is that of shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin, who is currently set to play the 2025-26 season in a $9.19 million club option.
The Pacers have not made any luxury tax payments since 2005, per Spotrac, but the team likely expects that to change going forward as the front office looks to build its roster around a core duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Both Indiana stars are signed through at least the 2027-28 season.
With Turner and McConnell unsigned, the new contract makes Nembhard currently the third highest-paid player on the roster behind only Haliburton and Siakam,/ for the 2025-26 season.
That position raises questions about Nembhard's position on the Pacers' depth chart with Mathurin still on the roster.
Nembhard established himself as a key part of the rotation the Pacers hope can contend for a title last season. After starting the campaign on the bench, Nembhard slid into the starting five in February and kept his place for the rest of the season.
During the Pacers' 17-game playoff run, Nembhard averaged 14.9 points, while adding 3.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists, as Indiana made it back to the conference finals for the first time in a decade. He shot 56.0 percent from the field and 48.3 percent from the three-point line.
Now that the Pacers have committed to keeping Nembhard in Indiana for the next four seasons, the team will need to decide whether to play him alongside Haliburton on the first unit or have him drive offense on the second.
NBA Rumors: James Wiseman Signs Pacers Contract; Former No. 2 Overall Draft Pick
Jul 2, 2024
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 22: James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a free throw during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 22, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers agreed to a two-year contract with center James Wiseman in free agency on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wiseman, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, spent parts of the past two seasons with the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons declined to tender Wiseman a qualifying offer last week, which made him an unrestricted free agent.
The 23-year-old appeared in a career-high 63 games last season, starting six of them. He averaged 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per contest, while shooting 61.3 percent from the field for a rebuilding Pistons team.
When he entered the league in 2020, Wiseman did so with plenty of fanfare behind him, as the Warriors used a rare high draft pick to take him second overall out of Memphis.
Golden State was among the worst teams in the league the previous season due to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both missing most of the campaign due to injuries, and it used it as an opportunity to add a talented 7-footer to its roster.
Unfortunately for Wiseman, injuries plagued his time in Golden State, as he was limited to 39 games in his rookie season and missed the entire 2021-22 campaign, which concluded with the Dubs winning a championship.
After appearing in 21 games for the Warriors in 2022-23, he was traded to the Pistons that season, and he played the best basketball of his career.
In 24 games with Detroit during the 2022-23 season, he averaged 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, which would have been career highs extrapolated over the course of an entire year.
As a result, expectations were high entering last season, but Wiseman was never a substantial part of head coach Monty Williams' rotation.
In Indiana, Wiseman will land with a Pacers team that exceeded expectations last season by going 47-35 and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.
He will be clearly behind Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin in the frontcourt rotation, but he has a chance to carve out a meaningful role as the No. 2 center.
Jalen Smith averaged 9.9 points 5.5 rebounds per game in that spot for the Pacers last season, and in the wake of him signing with the Chicago Bulls in free agency, Wiseman can now step in.
NBA Rumors: Obi Toppin, Pacers Agree to 4-Year, $60M Contract Before Free Agency 2024
Jun 30, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 05, 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Obi Toppin and the Indiana Pacers are running it back.
The team reportedly signed Toppin to a four-year, $60 million deal that will keep him out of restricted free agency, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN Sources: Restricted free agent F Obi Toppin intends to sign a four-year, $60 million contract to stay with the Indiana Pacers. Toppin emerged as a top bench contributor for the Eastern Conference finalists. pic.twitter.com/sJP8q5prJe
Toppin, 26, served as a solid role player for the Pacers, averaging career bests in points (10.3 PPG), rebounds (3.9 RPG), field-goal percentage (57.3 percent) and three-point shooting (40.3 percent) in the 2023-24 campaign.
He also appeared in all 82 games (28 starts), remaining a reliable part of the rotation throughout the season.
While Toppin has never quite lived up to the expectations that came with being the No. 8 overall selection in the 2020 NBA draft, his size, athleticism and recent ability to space the floor made him a valuable contributor in Indiana.
Once the Pacers traded Buddy Hield at the trade deadline—moving off another player who would have needed to be re-signed in free agency this summer—it seemed likely that the Pacers would look to retain both Pascal Siakam and Toppin.
Before the trade, Philadelphia had 6 seconds available to move in a deal.
They keep all 3 firsts (+2 this summer), improve the roster and keep flexibility this offseason.
Indiana was pressed against the luxury tax in 2024-25 if they retained Hield and Obi Toppin.
Toppin, at least, is back. For a young Pacers team that took promising steps last season, keeping the majority of the core together, if possible, made sense.
Johnny Furphy NBA Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Pacers Roster
Jun 27, 2024
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 21: Johnny Furphy #10 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates a basket against the Samford Bulldogs during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Delta Center on March 21, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Kansas freshman forward Johnny Furphy is headed to the Indiana Pacers, who sent cash considerations to the San Antonio Spurs to move up from No. 36 to No. 35 to select the ex-Jayhawk, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Johnny Furphy
Position: SF
Height: 6'9"
Pro Comparison: Trey Murphy III
Scouting Report: The combination of 6'9" size, shooting, athletic play-finishing and rebounding have Furphy on first-round radars. He's projects as an easy fit with his catch-and-shoot game.
The 19-year-old Australian forward averaged 9.0 points on 46.6 percent shooting (35.2 percent from three), 4.9 rebounds in 24.1 minutes per game. He made 33 appearances, starting 19.
Furphy didn't see much playing time at first, but that changed in the back half of the year. His best stretch occurred from Jan. 16 to Feb. 13, when he averaged 15.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He capped that span with 17 points and eight rebounds in a 78-65 win over future No. 1 seed (and Big 12 regular season champion) Houston.
He struggled down the stretch, averaging just 8.3 PPG on 30.4 percent shooting in his final six contests. But the first-year player, at his best, showcased what he can do on the next level.
It's unfair to assume or suggest that Furphy can or should be an immediate contributor. He wasn't even a starter for an entire collegiate season before entering the pros. However, he's got the makings of a solid long-term pro, and his game fits the present-day NBA model.
NBA Rumors: Pacers 'On the Prowl' for Roster Upgrades Around Tyrese Haliburton
Jun 26, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 19: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers looks on 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)
The Indiana Pacers are hunting for complementary players who fit alongside All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton during the 2024 offseason.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst confirmed that the Pacers are "on the prowl" for roster upgrades as they're "trying to get Tyrese some help" in a Wednesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
"The Pacers are working and they're trying to get Tyrese some more help..
Indiana has already reportedly locked up Haliburton's star teammate, signing Pascal Siakam to a four-year maximum contract worth $189.5 million on June 19.
It may be difficult for the Pacers to add major upgrades in free agency, as ESPN's Bobby Marks noted that the team is over the cap after Siakam's contract. However, Indiana still has access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $12.9 million as well as the bi-annual exception of $4.7 million.
The Pacers will also need to make decisions on impending free agents such as forward Obi Toppin, who is on the verge of restricted free agency. However, general manager Chad Buchanan could also explore upgrades on the trade market.
Indiana's needs are clear after making a surprise trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024. The Pacers owned the seventh-worst defensive rating during the 2023-24 season, while their average of 41.5 rebounds per game represented the third-lowest mark in the association (via NBA.com).
The team previously expressed interest in Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. If the Pacers are looking for a defensive-minded forward, they could explore a potential Wiggins acquisition once again.
Still, it shouldn't be difficult to find players who thrive around Haliburton. The 24-year-old's 10.9 assists per game were the most among all NBA players, while his 36.4 percent three-point percentage helped space the floor for his teammates as he attempted 7.8 long-range attempts each night.
After a deep playoff run in 2024, the Pacers are keeping Haliburton at the center of their offseason plans.
Video: Lakers' LeBron James, Obi Toppin Have Mini Dunk Contest During NBA Offseason
Jun 24, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 9: LeBron James (23) of Los Angeles Lakers and Obi Toppin (1) of Indiana Pacers in action during NBA In-Season Tournament Championship game between Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on December 9, 2023. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
LeBron James and Obi Toppin added a little friendly competition to offseason workouts.
The two participated in an informal dunk contest during a workout on Monday in Los Angeles.
The two players showcased some flair and skill, and James even remarked that he was "too old for this."
Toppin is one of the more recognized dunkers in the NBA, with a 2022 Slam Dunk Competition title being his crowning achievement in the art. James notably has never participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but he did win the 2003 Powerade Jam Fest competition when he was in high school.
With that in mind, this may be one of the best views of what a modern James could do in that type of contest, and the 39-year-old still showed that he was capable of generating some creativity with a dunk.
James will now look focus on training for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and maybe his friendly contest with Toppin could inspire him to throw down a few flashy dunks in the international competition as the U.S. looks to earn a fifth-straight Gold Medal.
Pacers' Projected Salary Cap for NBA Free Agency After Pascal Siakam Contract Rumors
Jun 19, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 27: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers looks to pass against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 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)
The Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam reportedly plans to sign a four-year, $189.5 million contract with the team at the start of free agency.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Siakam's plans to stay in Indiana after coming over via a midseason trade from the Toronto Raptors.
The deal is one year less than Siakam's five-year max but will still pay him an average of $47.4 million per season. He will make $42.3 million in 2024-25 and receive 8.5 percent raises each subsequent season.
The Pacers will still be well below the luxury tax even with Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton combining to make $84.6 million next season. The contract will, however, put them in over-the-cap category, meaning they will only have their midlevel exception and minimum contracts to use in free agency.
Re-signing Siakam was always going to be the Pacers' top priority this summer, so getting the deal done early should open up the front office to improve the roster. Obi Toppin and Doug McDermott are the only rotation players hitting free agency this summer and both should be re-signable at reasonable rates.
Toppin is a restricted free agent, so his market will be limited, and McDermott is a minimum-contract player at this point in his career if the Pacers want to bring him back.
Indiana's main focus on the free-agent market will likely be improving on the defensive end. The team could use help both on the perimeter and in rim protection, and general manager Chad Buchanan said he plans on being "aggressive" if he sees a fit.
"We see areas where we've got to improve. Both the roster, skill level, defensively, things like that," Buchanan said last month. "There's plenty of areas for us to improve. I think that will be a focus for us this summer and building a team moving forward."
Siakam's new deal is on the aggressive side for his market, but limiting it to four years should be a bit of a relief.
NBA Rumors: Pascal Siakam to Sign $189.5M Max Pacers Contract After January Trade
Jun 19, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers looks on in the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 25, 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)
Pascal Siakam is reportedly staying in Indiana for a long time.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that the Pacers intend to sign Siakam to a new four-year, $189.5 million maximum contract when the NBA free-agency moratorium ends on July 6.
The news comes as no surprise after Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported in May that re-signing Siakam was the Pacers' "biggest priority" of the offseason.
The Pacers acquired Siakam from the Toronto Raptors in January in exchange for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and three first-round picks.
Wojnarowski reported at the time of the trade that Siakam was "excited about the deal to the Pacers and expected to be eager to work out a new contract with the franchise this summer."
Wojnarowski added during an appearance on ESPN's NBA Countdown that the Pacers were confident in signing Siakam to an extension following the deal.
Siakam's addition helped the franchise secure a playoff berth for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign. Indiana finished the regular season sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record and went on to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, falling to the Boston Celtics in four games.
Siakam was solid during his short stint with the Pacers last season, averaging 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 41 games while shooting 54.9 percent from the floor and 38.6 percent from deep.
He was just as good during the team's playoff run, averaging 21.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 17 games while shooting 54.1 percent from the floor.
Prior to the deal, the 30-year-old had spent the first seven-and-a-half seasons of his career in Toronto, helping the franchise capture an NBA title in 2019, in addition to securing two All-Star selections.
Now that he's reportedly staying in Indiana, Siakam will be a focal point of the Pacers' rotation alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner for the foreseeable future. That will come with higher expectations for the franchise, such as contending for a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference alongside the likes of Boston and the Milwaukee Bucks.
