3 things Pacers’ Haliburton should be working on this offseason
By Joe Lyon
Haliburton needs to become an elite two-way player to make the next step
One of the bigger weaknesses to Tyrese Haliburton’s game is on the defensive side of the ball. He isn’t necessarily bad on defense, this season he averaged 1.6 steals per game. But he isn’t quite where he needs to be to be considered a two-way player, instead, being considered an offensive talent.
However, the Pacers as a whole struggled on defense and commitment to defense starts from the top of the ladder. If Tyrese wants to be the leader of this team, something that seems to be the case, as well as the team be successful, that will start with a commitment to defense this offseason.
We believe Haliburton can become an excellent defender. He has good lateral quickness (not elite), and also good length, two things that you need to be a good defender at the guard position. However, the minutes with Haliburton on the floor were not always characterized by great defense. Veteran players like TJ McConnell might be able to help in the defensive growth over the next season.