Despite a slow start to the season, Tyrese Haliburton has turned things around and has led the Pacers to a top-five seed in the Eastern Conference. After earning All-NBA honors for the first time in his career last year, the Wisconsin native failed to make the All-Star team this season. Despite this, Haliburton has played great recently and is raising an interesting question--can he overcome the noise and make his second consecutive All-NBA team?
Tyrese Haliburton is making a case for an All-NBA selection
Over his last 40 games, Haliburton averaged 19.5 points and 8.9 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. Additionally, the Pacers are 26-14 in those games, largely due to Haliburton's contributions on the court.
What is the most interesting about this stretch for Haliburton is beyond his counting stats. The Pacers guard also looks significantly better on defense and is much more aggressive, especially when it comes to interrupting the passing lanes. He has recorded three or more steals in each of his last five games. While this is likely not sustainable, it is still encouraging regardless.
There is no denying that Haliburton had a slow start to the season, but his play for most of the campaign has been All-NBA worthy. While it is not a rare occurrence, it is not too common for a player to make an All-NBA team but not be an All-Star that same season (though this happened with old friend Domantas Sabonis just last year). However, if there is any player who fits that bill this season, it may be Haliburton.
On the year, he is averaging 18.4 points, 8.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, and this is including his slow start. Furthermore, he has looked like a top player in the NBA once again after the All-Star break and has recorded a double-double in each of his last five games.
There is a lot of basketball remaining with just 23 games remaining. However, Haliburton is already making a statement and has consistently played great basketball for most of the season. Regardless, his performances from here on out will be worth monitoring, both for his individual success and the Pacers' success.
As it stands, the Pacers are 34-25 and own the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, though they are tied with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers are in a good spot to make a deep playoff run this season, but if they want home-court advantage, they must continue their winning trend the rest of the way. In doing so, they will rely heavily on Haliburton as he continues to make his push for an All-NBA selection.