Paul George has sparked intense debate after publicly declaring Tyrese Haliburton the “face of the NBA” amid the ongoing 2025 NBA Playoffs. Haliburton’s standout performances with the Indiana Pacers, including a historic playoff triple-double, have thrust him into the spotlight as many fans and analysts weigh his emerging status in the league.
Haliburton’s Playoff Rise Positions Pacers as Eastern Conference Contenders
Tyrese Haliburton’s exceptional play has been a critical factor as the Indiana Pacers advanced through the 2025 NBA Playoffs. After sweeping the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in consecutive series, the Pacers now hold a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. The 25-year-old guard’s ability to deliver high-caliber performances has captured attention across the basketball world.
Notably, Haliburton set an NBA Playoff record in Game 4 by achieving a triple-double without committing a single turnover, an achievement that highlights his efficiency and control under pressure. This milestone has driven beliefs among many that Haliburton is transitioning from a promising talent to a bona fide superstar amid the postseason intensity.
Diverging Opinions on Haliburton’s Superstar Status
Despite Haliburton’s playoff heroics, some prominent voices remain unconvinced of his elevation to “superstar” or the league’s “face.” ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, among others, points out that Haliburton has yet to dominate a full regular season or earn major individual awards. Critics also highlight that he lacks the widespread fan draw of contemporaries such as Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson, factors they consider essential in defining the NBA’s top figure.
Broadcast ratings, however, suggest Haliburton’s impact on viewership is significant. During Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, broadcasts attracted approximately 7 million viewers, a figure comparable, though slightly lower, to ratings achieved by LeBron James at a similar playoff stage a decade ago. This indicates growing public interest around Haliburton’s performances.
Paul George Endorses Haliburton as the NBA’s New Leading Face
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George weighed in amid the debate, offering measured praise that stirred considerable attention. In a statement on his podcast, George said:
“In my eyes, I think he is a superstar. He’s the face of the NBA. He is the number 1 option… He’s been a clutch performer late in games. I want to see him continue to do this which I know he will.” —Paul George, NBA Player
George, a nine-time All-Star himself, acknowledged that some opinions adhere strictly to traditional benchmarks of superstardom when considering who merits the title of NBA’s “face.” Nevertheless, he believes Haliburton’s playoff production and composure justify serious consideration for this status.
Twitter Reacts Strongly to Paul George’s Bold Prediction
Paul George’s declaration did not sit well with many basketball fans and social media users, who expressed surprise and skepticism over crowning Haliburton the league’s leading figure so early in his career. While the Indiana guard’s charisma, style, and calm demeanor serve him well, many argue that without consistent elite performances and individual honors, he remains an emerging star rather than the definitive face of the NBA.
Fans also pointed out that the Pacers have yet to secure any major victories or titles during Haliburton’s run, calling Paul George’s statement premature. The backlash was evident through various tweets, including the following:
“I want his podcast cancelled”
“That man tryna get back to Indy”
“This is the worst face of the league take I’ve seen”
“Ty is definitely an emerging star before our eyes but you can’t FORCE face of the nba …”
“For a second I really thought this was centel But then again pg playing nice w Indy so they retire his number or something” —Sticker Dood (@EtanBoss)
“Chiiiillllll P. Face of the playoffs this year maybe. BUT! He does have the makings to be one of the faces of the new school.” —Kevin Wagstaff (@KevinWagstaff3)
Some dismissed the statement as ill-timed or exaggerated, suggesting fans and even players sometimes express opinions without full consideration. Despite the criticism, many acknowledge Haliburton’s potential to become one of the league’s prominent figures if his upward trajectory continues.
The Reality Check: Inconsistent Performances Highlighted in Game 5
While Game 4 cemented Haliburton’s standing as a clutch playoff performer, his output in subsequent games has revealed limitations. In Game 5, Haliburton struggled significantly, registering only 8 points on a 28.6% shooting rate. Such statistics contrast sharply with those expected of an NBA superstar and pose questions about his consistency.
For Haliburton to solidify his place among the league’s elite, regular contributions of 20 or more points per game would be essential, alongside his already reliable playmaking skills. Maintaining steady production throughout intense playoff competition will be vital for his lasting reputation.
Off the court, Haliburton reportedly seeks motivation from close friends within the broader basketball community, including fellow Indiana Pacers employee and star Caitlin Clark. Conversations with such peers and other point guard veterans may help sustain his drive during these critical moments in his career.
Haliburton’s Role in the NBA’s Evolving Landscape
Tyrese Haliburton’s rise comes amid an evolving NBA where new talents continue challenging established stars. His ability to lead the Pacers deep into the playoffs has already altered conversations about the league’s next leading figures. Should Haliburton maintain strong performances leading Indiana to potential championships, the debate over his “Face of the NBA” status will likely shift in his favor.
Paul George’s endorsement, despite drawing polarized reactions, signifies a broader recognition within the league of Haliburton’s impact. The coming games will be crucial in determining whether this recognition translates into enduring stardom or remains a momentary hype fueled by a stellar playoff run.