After making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Tyrese Haliburton really struggled to start the year, watching his reputation and the Pacers' playoff aspirations take a big hit. It reached a point where people were asking if the rest of the league had finally “figured him out” Spoiler alert, they hadn't.
- Ian Levy
FanSided Creative Editorial Director
Wipe away the first 25 games of the season and his shooting percentages are right back in 50/40/90 territory. From Dec. 13 to the end of March, the Pacers won 68 percent of their games with a top-eight point differential and leapt past the fading Bucks for the No. 4 seed. Haliburton's points and assists are down but some of that is by design, with the emergence of Bennedict Mathurin, the growth of Andrew Nembhard and the developing synergy with Pascal Siakam.
He is still a unique offensive engine with vision, relentless energy and unmatched selflessness. He thrives on setting up his teammates and his play has completely transformed their vibe. This is one of the most fun teams in the league, their young players are blossoming with Haliburton scaffolding the offense. He’s almost single-handedly made them an attractive free-agent destination and they'll be a tough out in the playoffs no matter who they see.