Paul George Endorses Tyrese Haliburton as NBA Superstar

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has expressed high regard for Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, labeling him a potential superstar in the league. During an appearance on Podcast P, George noted that Haliburton is not only the face of the NBA but also the primary scoring option for his team. He emphasized Haliburton's ability as a setup point guard who can also deliver in crucial moments as a late-game scorer. George pointed out Haliburton's clutch performances in high-pressure situations and his capacity to play isolation basketball, even if that is not his foremost role. George emphasized his desire to see Haliburton continue to excel as he believes he will.
Haliburton's contributions have been pivotal in leading the Pacers to their second consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they currently hold a commanding 3-1 series lead over the New York Knicks. George is particularly familiar with Haliburton's journey, having spent the first seven years of his own career with the Pacers, during which he emerged as a star and reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014. The Pacers are now on the cusp of clinching their first NBA Finals appearance since the year 2000, showcasing their resilience and talent throughout the postseason.
The Pacers have demonstrated dominance during their 2025 playoff run, advancing past the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round by winning the series in five games and then defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in another five-game series. Haliburton's playoff performance has been instrumental for a Pacers team that finished the regular season ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference. His postseason averages reflect significant improvement, with 19.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, indicating his growth as a player. Furthermore, the Pacers have posted a +9.7 net rating with Haliburton on the court during the playoffs, contrasting sharply with a -8.6 net rating when he is off the floor, showcasing his critical impact on the team's performance. Although Haliburton has yet to establish himself as the definitive face of the league, lacking a 2025 MVP vote and holding just two All-Star selections, further recognition could come his way if he aids the Pacers in their pursuit of their first Larry O'Brien Trophy.








