Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has transformed the label of being 'overrated' into a motivating force during the 2025 NBA playoffs. The two-time All-Star has approached his postseason performance with a renewed intensity, fueled by a critical assessment from fellow players. This assessment has not gone unnoticed, as Puma has introduced a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase 'Overrate That,' further solidifying Haliburton's determination to prove his detractors wrong.

In a recent poll conducted by The Athletic's Sam Amick and Josh Robbins, Haliburton emerged as the leading vote-getter for the most overrated player in the league. While the poll generated considerable media attention, it should be noted that the responses came from a relatively small sample of just 90 players across the vast landscape of the NBA, with 13 participants specifically designating Haliburton for this distinction. Consequently, the headlines produced by this exercise may have carried more weight than the actual findings warranted.

Responding to the label, Haliburton expressed to The Athletic's Jared Weiss that he has cultivated an 'immunity to rejection' through dialogues with esteemed players such as Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. He acknowledged that while opinions from his peers do hold significance, ultimately, it is the perspectives of those whom he respects that resonate most deeply. Despite the sting of criticism, Haliburton has harnessed it as fuel for his competitive spirit. As he continues to make pivotal shots and engage with opposing fans, it is evident that he relishes the opportunity to silence any remaining skepticism. Regardless of the outcome of the Pacers' playoff journey—whether they reach the NBA Finals or fall short—Haliburton's 'Overrate That' shirts will serve as a lasting reminder of his impressive postseason efforts.