In a surprising turn of events, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has turned a critical label into a source of motivation during the 2025 NBA playoffs. The two-time All-Star has taken to the court with a palpable chip on his shoulder, responding positively to comments that deemed him 'overrated.' This sentiment has now been captured in merchandise, as the apparel brand Puma recently introduced a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase, 'Overrate That.' Haliburton garnered the most votes in a survey conducted by The Athletic, where players were asked to identify who they considered the most overrated in the league.

The survey results, which generated significant media buzz, revealed that 13 players voted for Haliburton out of 90 total responses—a reflection of a relatively small sample size given the scale of the NBA. As Haliburton addressed the notion of being labeled overrated, he conveyed his perspective in an interview with The Athletic's Jared Weiss, expressing that he has developed an 'immunity to rejection.' He attributed this resilience to conversations with notable players like Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, emphasizing the importance of respecting the opinions of peers he holds in high regard.

Despite the potential sting of such a label, Haliburton's performance has been commendable, marked by crucial shots and interactions with opposing fans that showcase his competitive spirit. Should the Pacers advance to the NBA Finals, even if they face defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 'Overrate That' T-shirts will serve as a memorable reminder of Haliburton's impactful postseason journey.