Tyrese Haliburton Drops Truth Bomb on How Flopping Became 'Part of the Game'

With the 2026 NBA Finals around the corner, Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton remains in the spotlight. After suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the 2025 NBA Finals Game 7, Haliburton missed out on the entire 2025-26 season. However, the Pacers star continues to attract attention through his media interactions and candid NBA comments.

Haliburton averaged 21.0 points, 10.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks. While the Pacers’ 2025-26 season took a major fall sans the 26-year-old guard, the New York Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers to reach the 2026 NBA Finals.

On the other hand, defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder have managed a slight lead over Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs in the WCF. However, several fans and analysts have heavily criticized the Thunder’s flopping, particularly two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This prompted a question about whether NBA coaches are teaching players to flop, and Haliburton didn’t hold back.

In his latest appearance on the Pat McAfee show, Haliburton shared an honest take on the rise of flopping in the NBA. “It’s for sure being taught. I don’t think head coaches are, but it’s a part of player development before you get to the NBA. It’s something you naturally work on. It’s now a part of the game,” the Pacers guard said.