Paul George considers Tyrese Haliburton to be a “perfect” fit for the Indiana Pacers and looks back on his tenure with the team.
Paul George spent the weekend returning to Indianapolis, the starting point of his NBA career. The Indiana Pacers drafted the nine-time All-Star in 2010, and he was an All-Star for the blue and gold four times. He is well-versed in the Circle City.
George was a key member of the Pacers’ two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. In Indianapolis, he developed alongside a group of experienced defensive backs and went from being a raw rookie to a star. With such squads, he fit right in.
On Saturday, George remembered those days. Inquiries concerning the Los Angeles Clippers forward’s return to Indianapolis were made during the media day for the 2024 NBA All-Star game. “I believe just the group that was included in my draft here. George reminisced fondly, “I learned so much from them. I can still remember several names from those teams.” He started out by mentioning guys like David West, Danny Granger, George Hill, and Roy Hibbert.”Those guys, I learned so much from.”
The California native was a poor jump shooter in his debut season, averaging just 7.8 points per game. Though few believed he would blossom into an offensive maestro, he had some stunning moments that demonstrated his ability.
After being an above-average shooter in his first two seasons, the 2010 lottery choice went on to win Most Improved Player in his third season and become an All-Star. George was suddenly a household name, and those Pacers teams were elite.”Honestly, I think it was just a great time for me to be here,” George stated.”What wonderful, wonderful memories. We had a fantastic run.
The superstar wing played for the team for seven years, although an injury he sustained while playing for Team USA cut one of those years quite short. With Indiana, he played in 448 games and averaged 18.1 points per contest. He missed the opportunity to lead the Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2013. Before, George said he thought he could have led the blue and gold to a later final if he hadn’t been hurt. George was traded by Indiana to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, but that was a long time ago. The Clippers star still gets heckled when he plays regular-season games in Indianapolis, but at the All-Star game, he got better treatment.
George has now spent as many seasons with the team as he has with Indiana. One of the best teams in the NBA, the Clippers, destroyed the Pacers back in December. That night, George scored 27 points.
Star guard Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers, who was sitting across from him, had one of his worst games of the year. During All-Star weekend, Haliburtonโwho was the NBA’s faceโfinished with eight points and eleven assists in the humiliating loss. That did not, however, diminish George’s regard for Indiana’s standout guard.
On Saturday, however, the Fresno State product gushed over Haliburton when questioned.”Among the greatest at simply playmaking, taking control, and managing games. He has such composure and polish for his age. Guys who figure out that aspect of their game so early on are rare. one of the greatest ratios of assists to turnovers. Really amazing,” he exclaimed. During the previous offseason, the two got together to talk on George’s podcast, Podcast P.
For the first time this season, Haliburton was an All-Star starter on Sunday night. He is averaging 21.8 points and 11.7 assists per game. In the league, his standing is rapidly improving.
George thinks Haliburton is a great match for Indianapolis, and he was reportedly interested in a trade with the Pacers last month. “Excellent, outstanding. His personality is enormous. Very easily marketable, according to George, is how well Haliburton fits in Indiana.
“It fits perfectly with Indiana having a face like Tyrese, so that’s my opinion. Wonderful child; I believe Indiana has found a long-term star.”Haliburton and George certainly have a bond and mutual respect, even though they might never be teammates. After George scored 13 points in the Eastern Conference’s victory over the All-Star game, the Clippers resumed play on Thursday.
Tyrese Haliburton is the face of the NBA during All-Star weekend; winning is secondary. On trade deadline day in 2024, the Indiana Pacers will prioritize long-term success despite Pascal Siakam’s departure.