Paul George has emphatically praised Tyrese Haliburton’s rise in the NBA, calling the Indiana guard a superstar and the emerging face of the league. Speaking recently on his podcast, George highlighted Haliburton’s clutch performances and his ability to lead his team deep into the playoffs, emphasizing the Wisconsin native’s growing status amid intense scrutiny.
Haliburton has faced challenges as a player overshadowed by teammates and critics since the playoffs began. Yet Paul George’s vocal support underlines a shift in perception among peers within the league. George acknowledged Haliburton’s critical role as a reliable number one option, especially in high-pressure moments late in games.
Paul George Cites Clutch Performances and Consistency as Hallmarks of Haliburton’s Growth
According to George, Haliburton’s closing ability in tight game situations stands out among NBA players.
“He’s [could lead his team] to the finals. He’s been a clutch performer late in games. I think he’s got one of the highest [game] closing percentages in the NBA, under two minutes. He’s proven he’s reliable as the number one option. I think you got to [give it to] him. He is the number one option,”
said the 76ers star, praising the guard’s dependability under pressure.
George insists that Haliburton has broken through as a superstar, despite some doubters in the basketball community. The former Pacers player, who experienced both praise and criticism himself for requesting a trade, expressed confidence in Haliburton’s steady rise.
In my eyes, I think he is a superstar! I think he scratched the surface of superstardom. [But] I want to see him continue to do this, which I know he will. But he’s a superstar.
—Paul George, NBA player
Haliburton’s Accomplishments Include All-Star Honors and an Olympic Gold Medal
George outlined several milestones supporting his assessment of Haliburton’s elite caliber, noting the guard’s All-Star selection and status as an Olympic gold medalist.
“You don’t [potentially] get to the finals, you don’t be an All-Star in our league, and then now [you’re probably] taking your team to the championship, he’s an Olympic winner,”
George added.
While the gold medal is a significant career highlight, Haliburton’s role in the 2024 Paris Olympics was limited. He appeared in three games, averaging 2.7 points and less than one assist per game. George’s praise underscores both the recognition and the need to contextualize the guard’s contributions during the tournament.
Haliburton Positioned as the NBA’s Next Leading Figure Amid Debates Over the League’s Future Star
The discussion about who will become the face of the NBA has been fervent among fans and analysts, with players like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander often mentioned. Yet Paul George has taken a definitive stance, naming Haliburton as the premier candidate to embody the league’s future.
He’s the face of the NBA; people are starting to understand and learn who he is. But he’s here [and] he’s arrived. He’s here; it comes down to consistency.
—Paul George, NBA player
George’s Past Trade Request Played a Crucial Role in Haliburton’s Rise with the Pacers
Interestingly, Paul George’s own career choices helped set the stage for Haliburton’s opportunity in Indiana. When George asked to be traded in 2017, the Pacers acquired Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in exchange. Then in 2022, Haliburton was brought to Indiana as part of the Sabonis trade package, effectively positioning him as the team’s new star.
Without George’s departure from the Pacers, Haliburton’s path to becoming the franchise leader might never have existed. This sequence of events highlights how player movements can reshape team dynamics and individual careers.
Haliburton’s Progress Reflects a New Chapter for Indiana and the NBA
Paul George’s praise signals a broader recognition of Tyrese Haliburton’s talent and potential impact on the league. His combination of leadership, clutch shot-making, and poise under pressure mark him as an emerging superstar. As Haliburton continues to build his consistency, many expect him to solidify his place among the NBA’s elite.
With the NBA landscape constantly evolving, Haliburton’s rise could influence not only the Pacers’ fortunes but also define how the league’s next generation of stars emerges. The coming seasons will be critical to seeing if he maintains the momentum that Paul George so confidently cites.