The designation of overrated may have inadvertently spurred Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton to elevate his game throughout the 2025 NBA playoffs. The two-time All-Star has played with a notable chip on his shoulder, demonstrating resilience and determination on the court. In a marketing move that captures the sentiment surrounding this assessment, Puma recently introduced a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase 'Overrate That.' This product serves as a reminder of the critical opinions voiced by Haliburton's peers.

Haliburton emerged as the leading vote-getter in a poll conducted by The Athletic's Sam Amick and Josh Robbins, which aimed to identify the most overrated players in the league. While the resulting media coverage generated headlines, the survey itself only garnered 90 responses—a relatively small sample size in the expansive NBA landscape. Thirteen players opted to vote for Haliburton, a statistic that the young guard, now 25, took in stride. In conversations with esteemed players such as Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Haliburton expressed that he has cultivated a sense of 'immunity to rejection.'

In reflecting on the impact of the poll, Haliburton remarked, 'At some point, worrying about what my peers think only holds so much weight. I think my peers whom I really respect, that changes things.' He emphasized the importance of the relationships he has built with top-tier players, indicating that their honest feedback holds significant value for him. As the postseason progresses, Haliburton continues to thrive, making crucial plays and engaging with fans in a playful manner. Regardless of the outcome of the Pacers' playoff journey—whether they reach the NBA Finals and face the Oklahoma City Thunder or not—his resilient attitude and the 'Overrate That' shirts will serve as a lasting tribute to a noteworthy postseason effort.