Tyrese Haliburton and Joel Embiid have been rivals since 2020, facing off more frequently after Haliburton was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Indiana Pacers in 2022. Their intense competition is fueled by shared off-court training sessions, particularly involving the same skills trainer, Drew Hanlen, which has intensified the Joel Embiid summer skills training rivalry.
Both Haliburton and Embiid work with Drew Hanlen, recognized as one of the top skills trainers in basketball, who has coached them for several years. Hanlen’s approach pushes his clients, including stars like Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal, to challenge one another, using rivalry as motivation to enhance their abilities. Despite Embiid’s recent battles with injuries, he continues to surprise opponents with his swift adaptation to new techniques during summer practices.
Haliburton, who is a key figure in the Pacers’ push toward the 2025 NBA Finals, recalled how witnessing Embiid quickly master a difficult play left him frustrated but inspired. The Pacers are currently just one win away from a Finals appearance, heading into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.
How Shared Training Fuels Competition Between Haliburton and Embiid
Since training under Drew Hanlen, Haliburton has been both impressed and challenged by Embiid’s rapid learning curve. Haliburton struggled initially to grasp a particular isolation move during his first summer working with Hanlen. However, Embiid mastered that same play within seconds after watching Haliburton’s workout, which left Haliburton determined to improve.
“I think back to my first summer with Drew, and I was really struggling to pick up this (isolation) move we were working on. Then I got done with my workout, and Joel walked in and picked it up in 10 seconds,”
Haliburton said.
“I was so pissed because I was like, ‘How is this guy figuring it out before me?’ That made me want to come to the gym the next day and stay a little longer to figure that (expletive) out.”
—Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers guard
This moment perfectly illustrates the intensity of their offseason competition, with both players pushing each other to reach higher performance levels. Haliburton’s commitment to improving has contributed to his standout performance in these playoffs, making him a critical component of Indiana’s resurgence.
Impact on the Pacers’ Playoff Run and Future Prospects
Haliburton’s growth fueled by this training rivalry has played a significant role in the Pacers’ deep playoff run. Their team has not reached the NBA Finals in 25 years, and this season’s success has raised expectations among players and fans. Haliburton’s ability to match Embiid’s elite work ethic and skill development signals a promising future as the Pacers look to end their Finals drought.
This ongoing rivalry not only highlights individual player development but also showcases how training dynamics can influence the broader competitive landscape of the NBA. As Haliburton and Embiid continue to push each other, fans can expect even more thrilling contests and breakthroughs in their careers.