The perception of being overrated may have inadvertently served as a catalyst for Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton's performance during the 2025 NBA playoffs. The two-time All-Star has approached this postseason with an added sense of urgency and determination, embodying a competitive spirit that has not gone unnoticed. In a unique twist, the apparel brand Puma has chosen to celebrate this narrative by releasing a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase "Overrate That", a nod to the critical label Haliburton received from fellow players.

In a survey conducted by The Athletic's Sam Amick and Josh Robbins, Haliburton emerged as the leading vote-getter in a poll where NBA players were asked to identify the most overrated players in the league. Although the implications of such a designation may have been magnified by media attention, it is important to note that the survey garnered only 90 responses—representing a small sample size in a league with 30 teams. Thirteen players opted to cast their votes for Haliburton, fueling both discussion and intrigue surrounding his standing within the league.

In responding to the poll, Haliburton displayed commendable poise, sharing with The Athletic's Jared Weiss that he has developed an "immunity to rejection" through conversations with stalwarts like Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. He articulated that the weight of opinions from his respected peers holds a unique significance, stating, "At some point, worrying about what my peers think only holds so much weight." This maturity is evident on the court, where his ability to deliver key performances, including clutch shots and engaging with opposing fans, has enabled him to transform skepticism into motivation. The Pacers' journey through the playoffs, regardless of the outcome, has been marked by Haliburton's spirited defiance of the 'overrated' label, evident in Puma's merchandise celebrating an indelible postseason run.