It’s been 138 days since Tyrese Haliburton’s devastating injury (but who’s counting?), and I consistently want to see No. 0 run out of that tunnel ready to drop dimes and take logo three-pointers. While that is not happening yet, Hali is still deeply involved with his team. In a recent video on his revived YouTube channel, Haliburton shared that he still has a big role with the Pacers this season.
“I think it's important for me to be around right now, seeing the game from a different lens. I'd just say, still one of the leaders of the group. Guys are encouraged by seeing the work that I'm putting in," Haliburton said.
Beyond the fact that this is an incredibly mature approach, this perspective proves that Haliburton is the Pacers' franchise player. He knows that there is work to be done even when he isn’t on the court. It should not be overlooked that he has chosen to rehab and heal with the team, on the road and at home. It is not terribly uncommon for players to rehab in isolation.
Tyrese Haliburton is putting in the work
As the highest-paid player on the team, Haliburton could shrug his shoulders or drop his chin and just focus on injury recovery for the next six to eight months. I think it is significant for the team (and for fans) to recognize that he is putting in the work in two key areas: as a leader and as a player. He is leading the team by showing them how hard he is working, but also encouraging teammates and walking with them through this season. That personal investment will carry over into future seasons and is an anchor of the team’s culture.
Plus, he is continuing to learn the game.
As an all-star with a max contract who averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and only 1.6 turnovers per game last season, according to StatMuse, it is incredibly noteworthy that he is choosing to spend his bench time learning from the coaches rather than sulking and biding his time before he gets on the court.
While we may miss Haliburton now, can you imagine what an improved Haliburton would be like? This season is not going to be what anyone wanted, especially after back-to-back deep playoff runs and the seven-game NBA Finals marathon, but at least the franchise cornerstone is making the absolute best of it.