Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has expressed commendation for Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, emphasizing his view that Haliburton embodies the qualities of a superstar. During an episode of Podcast P with Paul George, he remarked, 'In my eyes, I think he is a superstar. He's the face of the NBA. He is the number one option. He's a set-up point first, but he can be your late-game scorer.' George's insights reflect Haliburton's ability to perform under pressure, noting his effectiveness as a clutch player late in games, while also acknowledging that Haliburton can excel in isolation plays, even if that is not his primary role.

Haliburton has been instrumental in guiding the Pacers to their second consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they currently hold a commanding 3-1 series lead against the New York Knicks. George's familiarity with Haliburton’s circumstances is notable, as he spent the first seven years of his career with the Pacers, during which he developed into a star and helped Indiana reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014. As the Pacers inch closer to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, Haliburton's contributions have become even more significant.

This postseason, Haliburton has demonstrated exceptional performance, contributing to the Pacers' dominant playoff run in 2025. They dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks in five games during the first round and followed that by overcoming the Cleveland Cavaliers in another five-game series to secure their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. Haliburton's playoff statistics are remarkable, with averages of 19.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, all of which represent an improvement over his regular season performance. His presence has significantly impacted the team's net rating, with a plus-9.7 net rating while on the court, contrasting with a minus-8.6 net rating when he is off, highlighting the critical role he plays in the Pacers' success. While the 25-year-old has yet to establish himself as the definitive face of the league, as evidenced by his absence from the 2025 MVP voting and only two All-Star selections to date, continued success in helping the Pacers secure their first Larry O'Brien Trophy could enhance his recognition considerably.