Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George recently expressed admiration for Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton during a discussion on his podcast. George characterized Haliburton as a 'superstar,' asserting that he is 'the face of the NBA.' He noted Haliburton's ability to function as both a primary playmaker and a late-game scorer, highlighting his clutch performances when the stakes are highest. George emphasized his desire to see Haliburton continue to thrive in his role, sharing confidence in the young player’s trajectory.

Haliburton's contributions have been pivotal as the Pacers advance to their second consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, currently leading the series against the New York Knicks 3-1. George, familiar with the franchise from his seven seasons with Indiana, reflected on his own development as a player during his time with the team, during which he reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014. The Pacers are now on the brink of their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, showcasing their growth and competitiveness.

The Pacers' postseason performance has been impressive, as the team dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, both in five-game series. Haliburton has elevated his game during the playoffs, averaging 19.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game—significantly bettering his regular-season averages. His presence on the court has significantly impacted the Pacers' performance, with a plus-9.7 net rating when he is playing, showcasing his value to the team's success. Although Haliburton has yet to receive a 2025 MVP vote and has two All-Star nods, his continued excellence could lead to greater recognition, especially if he helps secure the Pacers’ first Larry O'Brien Trophy.