What a difference a week makes.
Just seven days ago, Tyrese Haliburton was catching strays from his own NBA peers, after a player poll revealed that he had been voted the most overrated player in the league. It was a surprising — and, to some, disrespectful — label placed on the Indiana Pacers’ All-Star point guard, especially considering his breakout performances over the past two seasons.
Fast forward to now, and Haliburton has silenced critics the best way any player can: by delivering when it matters most. The 24-year-old just led the Pacers to a shocking first-round series win over the Milwaukee Bucks, outplaying future Hall of Famer Damian Lillard and putting up clutch performances throughout the six-game series. He didn’t just respond — he made a statement.
In Game 6, Haliburton dropped 27 points and 15 assists, controlling the pace of the game like a veteran and showing the poise of a true floor general. His on-court vision, leadership, and confidence stood in stark contrast to the recent poll results that labeled him “overrated.” If this is what being overrated looks like, most teams would love to have it.
The poll in question came from an anonymous survey conducted by The Athletic, where over 100 NBA players responded to a series of questions about the league. One of those questions? “Who is the most overrated player in the NBA?” Haliburton received the most votes — more than big names like Rudy Gobert or Jordan Poole, who have previously worn that dubious crown.
The backlash on social media was swift. Fans and analysts alike were puzzled by the result, especially considering Haliburton’s numbers — he averaged over 20 points and 10 assists this season while shooting efficiently and leading Indiana back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. He was even named an All-Star starter. So how did he end up with this label?
Some insiders suggested it was a result of jealousy or resentment over Haliburton’s sudden rise and visibility — from his All-Star appearances to his prominent role in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. Others chalked it up to the usual politics and egos that come with any professional league.
But if the poll bothered Haliburton, he didn’t show it — at least not directly. Instead, he let his game speak. And in the playoffs, his game has been loud. After helping knock off Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, Haliburton looked more focused than ever, even as fans and media swarmed to remind everyone what had been said just a week prior.
Sometimes, the best revenge is success. Haliburton’s response wasn’t through a Twitter rant or postgame jabs. It was orchestrating a playoff upset, sending home a title contender, and proving that if being “overrated” gets you past the Bucks, then maybe the definition needs a rewrite.
