Tyrese Haliburton’s extraordinary performance in this postseason captured the attention of basketball fans and analysts alike, as he continued to elevate his game with each playoff round before facing a devastating injury just shy of a championship. Haliburton’s approach stands out in the modern NBA, as his game does not conform to the traditional superstar mold.
The Indiana Pacers guard is not known for scoring 25 or more points per game, nor does he often single-handedly carry his team to victory. Instead, his pass-first mentality and commitment to making his teammates better place him in a unique category. While many in today’s league prioritize scoring as a primary skill, Haliburton ranks highly in assists and less prominently in scoring, reflecting a team-oriented style that is increasingly rare.
Tracy McGrady Draws Parallels Between Haliburton and Magic Johnson
NBA legend Tracy McGrady recently discussed Haliburton’s play during a Club 520 podcast, making a striking comparison to Magic Johnson, widely regarded as the greatest point guard ever. McGrady observed similarities in how both players predominantly use their right hand when controlling the ball and directing their teams on the floor.
“When I look at Magic Johnson play basketball, I see Tyrese a little bit … Dominant right-hand player, you don’t really see [Magic] do too much on the left side of his body. Tyrese is the same way,”
—Tracy McGrady, Former NBA Player
McGrady’s Advice for Haliburton’s Growth Into a Superstar
Though praising Haliburton’s talents, McGrady emphasized that reaching true greatness requires broadening his impact on the game. He encouraged Haliburton to increase his overall contributions to achieve what he describes as the hallmark of a superstar: significant all-around production.
“For Tyrese to be great, if you’re gonna have four points, dammit, you gotta accumulate for your team at least 40 points.”
—Tracy McGrady, Former NBA Player
“If you wanna be a superstar, I’m fine with four points, but give me 15 assists, give me eight rebounds,”
—Tracy McGrady, Former NBA Player
“That right there to me is like a Jason Kidd, that’s a [Magic Johnson]. That’s having an imprint and you don’t have to score that much,”
—Tracy McGrady, Former NBA Player
McGrady’s reference to Jason Kidd highlights a path for Haliburton’s development, noting that legendary point guards have made their marks through versatile and impactful playmaking rather than high-volume scoring alone.
Overcoming Adversity and Looking Ahead
Despite displaying exceptional ability throughout this postseason, Haliburton has struggled with consistency, a challenge he must address to solidify his place among the NBA’s elite. His playoff run ended abruptly due to a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the first quarter of Game 7 of the Finals, after already battling a calf strain.
Haliburton expressed no regrets about playing through injury, showing his commitment to his team and the championship chase. His dedication to both his teammates and his city reflects a quality often seen in revered superstars such as Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Whether or not Haliburton is officially labeled a superstar is secondary to his impact as a winner who commands respect from fans, teammates, and opponents alike. His journey toward recovery and future contributions will be closely watched as he aims to return healthier and resume his pursuit of basketball’s highest honors.