Tyrese Haliburton Embraces Criticism During Playoffs

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton appears to have turned criticism into motivation during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Described as 'overrated' by peers in the league, Haliburton has exhibited a determined mindset throughout the postseason, showcasing his skills and resilience on the court.
In response to the designation of 'overrated,' apparel company Puma introduced a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase 'Overrate That.' Haliburton was notably the leading vote-getter in a recent poll conducted by The Athletic's Sam Amick and Josh Robbins, which asked players to identify the most overrated player in the league. The poll responses, however, were based on a relatively small sample size of only 90 participants, with 13 votes directed towards Haliburton, prompting discussions about the validity and impact of such assessments.
Haliburton has addressed the poll with a level-headed perspective, expressing how discussions and advice from established players like Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics have contributed to his development. He remarked on the importance of valuing the opinions of respected peers while recognizing the weight of anonymous feedback. Despite the potential for the 'overrated' label to sting, Haliburton seems to thrive in moments of scrutiny, making pivotal plays and engaging with fans throughout the playoffs. Regardless of the Pacers' journey in the postseason, the 'Overrate That' shirts symbolize a memorable chapter in his career.








