During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA's men's basketball team took home the gold medal for the fifth consecutive time. In the Finals, led by Stephen Curry's 24 points, Team USA defeated Victor Wembanyama and France by a score of 98-87. However, unfortunately for Indiana Pacers fans, they were unable to see their star guard Tyrese Haliburton in the medal-clinching victory.
Haliburton was the only Pacer representing Team USA during this year's Olympics. However, the Wisconsin native only appeared in three of the six games Team USA played. In addition to the game against France, Haliburton was a DNP in two other games, both against Serbia.
The decision to not play Haliburton was a bit controversial. Although he did not play much, the Pacers guard looked solid when he was on the court. His playmaking and facilitation were a huge boost to Team USA. Although he eventually earned a gold medal, becoming the first Pacer since Paul George in 2016 to do so, it was disappointing to see how little he actually played.
However, per the latest reports, Haliburton's lack of playing time was beyond just Team USA head coach Steve Kerr's decision. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Haliburton was dealing with "a minor leg injury." Additionally, Windhorst hinted that Haliburton may get another run in the Olympics in the future.
"Tyrese Haliburton was slowed in the Olympics by a minor leg injury -- Team USA didn't announce it, but he had an MRI, sources said -- and was caught in a numbers game, but he still has a future with the program," Windhorst said.
Tyrese Haliburton's career is just getting started
Prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Haliburton was already looking like a future NBA star. In the past two seasons, he is a two-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and a one-time assists leader. Additionally, he is just a few months removed from leading the Pacers to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2014.
Furthermore, he is now a gold medalist and will likely compete in more Olympics in the future. Additionally, he is quickly becoming an icon in Indiana sports and is already a top guard in the NBA. Even more impressive is that he is only 24 years old.
The future is bright for Haliburton and the Pacers, and it will be a joy to see how far he and the team can go.