The Pacers were expected to be one of the NBA’s worst teams before the season began, but they’re fourth in the East after 18 games, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. The turnaround that led to the 11-7 start began in February with a trade that brought Tyrese Haliburton from the Kings. The electrifying 22-year-old guard quickly took charge of his new team.
“He immediately saw the opportunity to be the leader of a franchise,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “He never looked at if it was just his thing just by virtue of being here. He knew he had to do the right things, put the work in, not skip steps. He’s done everything we could have asked. … Haliburton has been a godsend for this franchise.”
Haliburton is putting up numbers that should have him in contention for an All-Star berth with 19.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and a league-leading 11.1 assists per game. He’s creating good shots for his teammates, and he’s running the show with a relaxed demeanor that keeps everyone at ease.
“There’s a lot of authentic people in this room,” Haliburton said. “And a lot of people who feel like we have something to prove. We don’t come with a lot of egos. We’re a lot of young guys who feel like we have a lot to prove to ourselves and others and understanding the best way for us to prove anything is to win. And obviously guys have a chip on our shoulder. Every major writer in America, it feels like, put us 15th in the East and 30th in the NBA.”
There’s more from the Central Division:
- Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo paid a huge compliment to Cavaliers second-year big man Evan Mobley after their meeting Friday night, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. The two-time MVP suggested that Mobley might eventually be a better player than him. “I didn’t average what he is in my second season, so he’s already ahead of me,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s in his hands. If he stays humble, continues to work hard, focuses on the game and shows love to the game of basketball, he is going to be really good.”
- Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with a low back contusion, tweets Kelsey Russo of The Athletic. Allen landed hard after attempting to block a shot in the first quarter Friday and was eventually ruled out.
- Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic appears to have avoided a serious injury after a collision on Friday (Twitter video link from Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic). Bogdanovic is listed as questionable for Sunday with knee and ankle soreness, tweets Keith Langlois of NBA.com
A Godsend. Well said Rick and accurate.
This era of basketball is just stacked with talent.
Bron is top 3 no matter how you have it.
Curry is top 10, KD Kawhi Giannas all in and around that top 15/top 20 range.
Then you have unquestionable hall of famers Dwight, Russ, Harden, CP3 and Melo to name a few. Then there the fresh crop of young talent taking over the league Luka, Tatum, Trae, Ja, Zion to name a few of those guys.
Then look at the guys I haven’t even mentioned reigning 2 time MVP Jokic and back to back second place Embiid. There’s also AD, Lillard, Butler, Draymond, PG, Klay, KAT and so on.
Don’t argue with the Mobley comments made by Giannas, don’t think he will be that good but he will be really good. Think Giannas when it’s all said and done will be a top 10 player easily.
Only 27, already a champion with a finals MVP, and two time league MVP. DPOTY, 6 time all star and 6 all nba teams with 5 all defensive aswell.
That’s basically on par with Kevin Garnetts career accolades minus the longevity aspects.
When the dust settles, Giannis will be in the discussion as the best player to ever play the game of basketball.
“…and with the 8th pick of the draft, the NY Knicks select Tyre…, oh, Obi Tobin…? Really? Can someone verify this?”
Still kills me today.
It’s amazing to still see some folks still defending that pick. Pure insanity.
It was a bad pick then and it’s an horrific one in hindsight. This front office is mediocre at best.
Mediocre is giving them way too much credit. Horrific like a car wreck might be a tad more accurate.
Yes for sure! The Knicks would’ve been a totally different team had they drafted Haliburton. I’m a Pistons fan and we wanted him over Killian Hayes. Same thing the Pistons would’ve been totally different and probably wouldn’t have been in position to draft Cade Cunningham the next year. The other player from that draft I liked was Cole Anthony. He would’ve looked good in a Kicks jersey as well.
I honestly thought he was gone when the Pistons were up. Once they took Hayes I thought for sure the Knicks had done something wrong to be so lucky if he was still available. And when they screwed up, I thought the Spurs were going to take him. And though Vassell is a good player and will only get better, the Spurs needed Haliburton. Murray wasn’t even a sure thing at the time.
Could be worse. He could’ve fallen into your lap at 12 and then dished for an aging fringe All Star… beam team for life but I will never miss an opportunity to show my displeasure for that trade
I wonder who said, he could lead L is ast one day ………. before the draft.
A guy like Turner can play with Haliburton. But Buddy should be moved. I still see Pacers moving both. Mathurin was also a great pick. With Duarte there as sixth man. This draft is loaded in 1st rd. So Pacers can pick up two quality players with a trade.
The clowns who constantly talk nonsense here about the Knicks. Should really try another sport. Your hate constantly exposes your inability to understand this gm. Yet you just can’t help yourself. We are way past Haliburton or Obi. Only clowns can still dwell on this. Knicks have a PG, thankfully. Who we didn’t give up anything for. And Obi still has a chance to prove himself.
Commenting on activity. You clearly don’t know the facts about. Only says who you are. When will you learn how uninformed you geniuses look. Basketball is not for you lols.
We have a point guard who is a speed bump at best on defense. He’s all offense and nothing more. His signing hasn’t improved anything, and the defense has gotten worse.