Tyrese Haliburton: 'I Get Paid A Lot Of Money To Play A Child's Game...'

Tyrese Haliburton came under the media's microscope after his colleagues across the NBA voted him the most overrated player in the NBA. Following this, he also had altercations with Damian Lillard and his father had a controversial exchange with Giannis Antetokounmpo that got him banned for the remainder of the Playoffs. Ever since these incidents, all eyes have been on how Haliburton is performing in the Playoffs.

After the Pacers' 129-109 win over the Cavaliers, Haliburton addressed the media regarding the scrutiny he has faced over the Playoffs. When a reporter asked Haliburton what it was like to navigate being a star, Haliburton said, "It's just basketball, bro. I get paid a lot of money to play a child's game. So I love what I do. I love my job. Yeah, I don't even really look at it as a job. I have a lot of fun with what I do. And I think there's always commentary behind what I do, positive or negative."

He further added, "And it's hilarious because a lot of times, it's people who know nothing about me who have so much to say. It's usually the people who don't come around or don't spend any time around me that have the most to say, but that's all part of it. I’m a basketball player. I love what I do. I love being here in Indiana. I love playing for this organization. I feel like criticism, sometimes it's warranted, sometimes it's not, but it's all a part of it."

The Pacers' superstar Haliburton inked a five-year, $244.6 million rookie extension with the Indiana Pacers in July 2023, marking the largest deal signed in Pacers' history. This deal keeps him in Indiana until the end of the 2028-29 season. Combined with his other sources of income, the Pacers' star's net worth is valued at $5 million currently, but is expected to rise exponentially over the years.

What Tyrese Haliburton Said About Skipping Media After Game 3

After clarifying his stance on criticism he faces, Haliburton went on to clear the air about why he didn't speak to the media after Game 3. He said, "And I feel like, as far as the last game, I feel like our PR team does a great job of putting me out there when it's time to talk. And I got to come out here and talk when it is time. And I think Mike and the staff tried to protect me a little bit last game, maybe went a little overboard. Maybe I should have overruled it and come out here. But I wasn't really in the mood to speak. And he told me that he didn't want me to speak, so I left."

He further added, "And so, if that's a problem, you know, you guys are more than willing. I mean, obviously, you guys are more than willing to talk about it, so keep having commentary around it. I'll continue to do what I do and live my life the same way. But it's all part of it, man. But it's just basketball, and I guess I'd rather have this issue. I'd rather have you guys talking about me positively, negatively talking about me, than not care who I am at all. So I mean, life's good."