Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton appears to have turned what many consider a derogatory label into a source of motivation during the 2025 NBA playoffs. The two-time All-Star has displayed a determined attitude, playing with a noticeable chip on his shoulder. This competitive spirit has caught the attention of apparel company Puma, which recently released a T-shirt featuring the phrase 'Overrate That.'

Haliburton became the focus of discussion after he was named the most overrated player in a poll conducted by The Athletic's Sam Amick and Josh Robbins. Among the responses collected, Haliburton received 13 votes, making him the top choice for this designation. However, it's worth noting that only 90 players participated in the poll, a sample size that is relatively small given the expansive roster of players in the NBA. Despite the limited feedback, the headlines surrounding the poll carried significant weight in the media.

In response to the label, Haliburton maintained a positive outlook, sharing insights with The Athletic's Jared Weiss about how he has cultivated what he calls an 'immunity to rejection.' This perspective was influenced by conversations he has had with notable players such as Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. Haliburton acknowledged the importance of the opinions of his fellow elite players, stating, 'At some point, worrying about what my peers think only holds so much weight.' As he continues to perform under pressure, Haliburton seems to relish the challenge of disproving his critics, contributing significantly to the Pacers' playoff success.

Whether or not the Pacers make a deep run in the playoffs, with a potential matchup against the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder looming, Haliburton's determination and the 'Overrate That' T-shirts will serve as a reminder of a season marked by resilience and competitive fire.