The time is now for the Indiana Pacers. They made a huge swing at the 2021 NBA trade deadline, adding Tyrese Haliburton, and now, they’re ready to capitalize on that decision.
Haliburton made his first All-Star team last season and looks primed to take another jump this year, as when he was healthy last year, the Pacers were in the hunt for a playoff spot.
But as he gets ready to head into his second full season with Indiana, Haliburton is desperate for a chance, and at Pacers Media Day, he made that abundantly clear.
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton unveils 1 thing he’s most ‘tired of’
When discussing Team USA’s disappointing finish at the FIBA World Cup this summer, Haliburton revealed the one thing he’s most “tired of” as a basketball player. (H/t Akeem Glaspie of the Indianapolis Star)
“I think I grew in a lot of different ways,” Haliburton said. “It’s probably the first time that I’ve had expectations since college. Obviously, it’s a big disappointment for us as a team, and there’s no excuses, we’re frustrated by it. I think my biggest takeaway was I’m just tired of losing. I just want to win. … I just want to win games, and I know there’s some things that I’ve got to change as a basketball player to do that.”
In Haliburton’s one-and-a-half seasons with the Pacers, the team has failed to put up a winning record and missed the playoffs in both years. But things should be different now.
With Haliburton leading the way and Myles Turner ready to build on a career year in Indiana last season, the Pacers could be ready to compete for at least a Play-In spot in the East, and that’s without even mentioning the other Pacers storylines.
Indiana drafted Jarace Walker, traded for Obi Toppin, and signed Bruce Brown in free agency. Plus, Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard will be looking to build on their impressive rookie seasons, and guys like Aaron Nesmith and Jordan Nwora will be aiming for improvement as well.
All of the pieces are in place for Indiana as they look to push forward and strive for improvement, but it all starts with Halibutron. And with him publicly stating that he’s “tired of losing,” the Pacers should be in a great spot moving forward.