Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George expressed admiration for Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, labeling him a potential superstar in the league. During a discussion on the Podcast P, George stated, '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 highlighted Haliburton’s ability to perform in crucial moments, noting, 'He’s been a clutch performer late in games.'

Haliburton has played a significant role in guiding the Pacers to back-to-back appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals, as the team finds itself leading the New York Knicks with a commanding 3-1 series advantage. George, who spent the initial seven years of his career with the Pacers, is well-acquainted with the organization’s dynamics and has witnessed firsthand the progression that can lead to success in the postseason. He achieved similar milestones during his tenure, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014. Currently, the Pacers are on the brink of securing their first NBA Finals appearance since the year 2000.

The Pacers have exhibited dominance throughout their 2025 postseason campaign. They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in five games during the opening round and followed that with another five-game series victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Haliburton’s playoff contributions have been vital for a team that concluded the regular season in fourth place within the Eastern Conference standings. His postseason averages of 19.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.9 rebounds represent significant improvements over his regular-season statistics. Furthermore, he has contributed to a notable plus-9.7 net rating for the Pacers when he is on the court, contrasting sharply with a minus-8.6 net rating when he is absent, showcasing the impact he has on the team's performance. While Haliburton is still working toward widespread recognition, he has the potential to gain further accolades, particularly if the Pacers can achieve their goal of lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.