Is Tyrese Haliburton Proving Those 14.4% of Players Right?

Tyrese Haliburton’s reputation grew rapidly after last season’s regular season accolades and playoff run. The Indiana Pacers‘ star point guard was selected to the All-NBA third team. Tyrese Haliburton jumped from 3.7% to 14.4% in player voting for most overrated player, signaling a shift in perception. His postseason numbers seemed strong. He averaged 18.7 points and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 49% overall and 38% from three-point range. Those statistics helped drive Indiana to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Is Tyrese Haliburton Proving Those 14.4% Of Players Right When They Voted Him Most Overrated?

However, some players likely felt Haliburton received too much praise. Indiana’s first-round opponent, Milwaukee, missed Giannis Antetokounmpo due to injury. In the second round, the New York Knicks battled significant injuries to key players. The easier playoff path may have inflated Haliburton’s standing. It raises a serious question: is Tyrese Haliburton overrated and proving those 14.4% of players right?

This Season’s Playoff Performance

Fast forward to this year’s playoffs. The Pacers hold a 3-1 series lead and they are on course to close out the series in Game 5. This assumption is largely due to Damian Lillard tearing his Achilles on his left leg, according to reports. Failing to close out the series now would be catastrophic. Pascal Siakam has powered the team, averaging 22.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Siakam’s consistency has made him the Pacers’ driving force.

Meanwhile, Haliburton’s performance looks uneven. He dazzles with his playmaking, leading the postseason with 12.3 assists per game. However, his scoring output tells a different story. Haliburton averages only 15.5 points per game, ranking 43rd among playoff participants. For a franchise cornerstone, that scoring level is simply too low.

His shooting numbers further highlight the struggles. Haliburton is making only 29% of his 7.8 three-point attempts and not getting to the foul line enough. When compared to players like Chris Paul — who balanced scoring and facilitating as a franchise leader — the gaps in Haliburton’s scoring become clear. Some might wonder again: is Tyrese Haliburton overrated based on these numbers?

Playmaking Excellence Still Matters

Despite his scoring issues, Haliburton’s value cannot be dismissed. He leads the entire playoffs in assists with a usage rate of just 23.2%. That’s lower than players like Cole Anthony, who have much smaller roles. Maximizing impact without dominating possessions is incredibly valuable for a playoff team.

The claims of Tyrese Haliburton being overrated seem less convincing when considering how he elevates his teammates. He runs the offense smoothly, creating open shots and opportunities without forcing bad decisions. His passing keeps Indiana’s offense flowing even when his own shot is not falling.

Yes, Haliburton must find ways to increase his scoring, ideally pushing into the low 20s. Still, leading a playoff team deep into the postseason proves his impact. Calling him overrated because he doesn’t score enough would be an oversimplification of his impact.

Haliburton’s Winning Basketball Can’t Be Ignored

The Pacers are winning basketball games with Haliburton as their engine. That fact alone deserves heavy consideration. In the playoffs, impact matters more than box score statistics. Haliburton’s court vision, decision-making, and leadership qualities remain elite, even if his three-point shooting currently lags behind.

Critics pointing to the overrated arguments overlook how difficult it is to find a point guard who can both lead and adapt. He has steered the Pacers past adversity and injuries, showing maturity beyond his years. The 14.4% of players who doubted him might eventually rethink their stance if Indiana continues advancing.

Ultimately, Haliburton’s unique skill set — even with scoring struggles — continues to drive winning basketball. His impact is about evolving, improving, and showing that success looks different depending on the team and the situation While the ‘Tyrese Haliburton is overrated’ debates will continue, his importance to the Pacers’ success remains undeniable.