The Indiana Pacers may be far from touting the best squad in the Central Division, but the team is definitely not bereft of talent. In fact, lead playmaker Tyrese Haliburton may already come out as the best point guard in the one of the NBA’s steadiest divisions in the upcoming campaign.
Considered as one of, if not the safest bet to bag the Most Improved Player plum next season, Haliburton ranks among the best up-and-coming stars in the entire association. Now projected to be the Pacers’ fulcrum for years to come, the lanky floor general could be a perennial All-Star as soon as this season.
How does Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton rank among the best point guards in the Central Division?
The Central Division is beaming with talent at the point guard position. Aside from Haliburton, MIlwaukee’s Jrue Holiday, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, and Cleveland’s Darius Garland each have compelling cases to hold the throne as the the creme de la creme at the position.
Holiday, the one only one who has a championship to his name in the group, is hands down untouchable on the defensive end. Combine that with his much-improved playmaking, shot creation, and tremendous experience advantage, and you have for yourself someone who can impact winning the most.
Meanwhile, Cunningham, the first overall pick in last year’s draft, is a walking mismatch. Standing at 6’6, he touts serious potential to be a nightly triple-double threat in the league. After missing ample time last season due to injury, expect him to lead the show for a rebuilding Detroit squad which seems poised to make a postseason run sooner than later.
Garland, on the other hand, has just been named an All-Star last season. One of the league’s few true point guards, Cleveland’s unorthodox attack revolves on his ability to set his teammates up while he capitalizes on opponents doubling down on the post by scoring from anywhere on the floor. Look for him to continue racking up All-Star appearances in the future.
Now, where does Haliburton fit in this equation? Well, with a team that he can truly call as his own, he could very well eclipse all these guys statistically speaking. Of course, the wins department matters too, but from just an individual standpoint, the Pacers’ new leading man is already one of the better point guards in the division. And if he unlocks his full potential, he could seize the crown for himself.