Tyrese Haliburton, the guard for the Indiana Pacers and a two-time All-Star, has seemingly turned criticism into motivation during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Following a poll conducted by The Athletic's Sam Amick and Josh Robbins, Haliburton received the distinction of being labeled as the most overrated player in the league by a notable number of his peers. In response to this evaluation, apparel company Puma has launched a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase 'Overrate That,' capturing the essence of Haliburton's journey during the playoffs.

The poll yielded only 90 responses, a relatively small sample size within the expansive NBA community, yet 13 players chose Haliburton as overrated. Despite the potential sting of such a label, Haliburton has maintained a resilient perspective. He conveyed to The Athletic's Jared Weiss that his interactions with esteemed players such as Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics have equipped him with what he terms 'immunity to rejection.' Haliburton remarked on the importance of the opinions of analytics from those he genuinely respects, which helped him navigate the criticism effectively.

Though it is natural for any athlete to feel momentarily impacted by a label such as 'overrated,' Haliburton seems to thrive under the pressure. His performances have included clutch shots and engaging exchanges with fans, showcasing his ability to channel skepticism into a driving force on the court. Even in the event the Pacers reach the NBA Finals only to face defeat against the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder, the 'Overrate That' shirts will serve as a lasting reminder of a remarkable playoff campaign.