Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers guard and two-time All-Star, has seemingly turned criticism into motivation throughout the 2025 NBA playoffs. Following a poll conducted by The Athletic's Sam Amick and Josh Robbins, which identified him as the player deemed most overrated by his peers, Haliburton has adopted a determination that resonates on the court. The apparel brand Puma has even capitalized on this notion with the release of a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase 'Overrate That.'

In the poll, Haliburton received 13 votes, indicating that while the survey of 90 participants was limited, it nonetheless sparked significant conversation within the league. During his interactions with fellow All-Stars like Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Haliburton has developed what he describes as an 'immunity to rejection.' Emphasizing the importance of peer feedback, he acknowledged, 'At some point, worrying about what my peers think only holds so much weight.' He values the opinions of respected players, noting the anonymous nature of the poll may not capture the nuances of individual relationships in the league.

Despite the nature of the label 'overrated,' Haliburton has managed to channel any potential negativity into a competitive edge. By delivering clutch performances and engaging with fans, he has positioned himself as a player eager to prove doubters wrong. Regardless of the outcome of the Pacers' postseason journey, even if they were to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals and fall short, the iconic 'Overrate That' shirts are sure to serve as a reminder of a memorable playoff run.