NBA star names Tyrese Haliburton ‘the face of the league’
The Indiana Pacers star was held to just eight points in Game 5 but he has provided countless clutch moments this postseason.
Throughout this Eastern Conference Finals series between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, Tyrese Haliburton has never been far from the conversation.
He has put in incredible performances and produced the biggest clutch moment of the series so far, a dramatic buzzer-beater to force overtime in Game 1. However he has also struggled at points, failing to make an impact in Game 5 as he was held to just eight points.
Exactly where Haliburton belongs in the current rankings of NBA superstars is a contentious debate. Much will depend on how this year’s playoffs finish, whether Haliburton can get his hands on a first championship ring.
However his status is already confirmed in the mind of Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George. Speaking on his ‘Podcast P’ show this week, the 76ers star made a bold claim about Haliburton.
“In my eyes, I think he is a superstar,” George said. “He’s the face of the NBA. He is the number one option.”
George continued: “He’s a set-up point first, but he can be your late-game scorer. He’s been a clutch performer late in games. He can be an isolation player - that’s just not his calling. I want to see him continue to do this, which I know he will.”
So is Haliburton next in line to be the biggest star in the NBA. With the likes of LeBron James and Stephen Curry approaching the end of their illustrious careers, there is certainly a conversation to be had surrounding the next generation of stars.
At 25 years old, Haliburton will look to contemporaries like Anthony Edwards, Luka Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; none of whom have won a championship. If Haliburton can lead the Pacers to a ring this season he will put himself firmly into the conversation.
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