Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Paul George Shares A Bold Take on Tyrese Haliburton, Labels Him the ‘Face of the NBA’

Paul George has high praises for Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George labeled Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton a superstar and called him the ‘face of the NBA’. Speaking on the Podcast P with Paul George, the nine-time NBA All-Star didn’t hold back and heaped praise on Haliburton for potentially leading his team to the NBA Finals 2025 as well as a championship.

George star said, “In my eyes, I think he is a superstar. He’s the face of the NBA. He is the number one option. He’s a set-up point first, but he can be your late-game scorer. He’s been a clutch performer late in games. He can be an isolation player, that’s just not his calling. I want to see him continue to do this, which I know he will.”

After finishing the regular 2024-25 season with an average of 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game, Haliburton has been on a prolific form in the postseason. He has been averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists per contest in the playoffs. Apart from this, he has also entered record books for multiple records. Haliburton became the first player to have 30+ points, 15+ assists and 10+ rebounds, with zero turnovers in a postseason game.

The Pacers began their playoff run by taking down the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in Round 1 of the playoffs series. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they pulled off an upset over the Cleveland Cavaliers to reach their second consecutive Conference Finals. In the ongoing series, they are leading their counterparts, New York Knicks 3-2, and are just one win away from making their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years.

Paul George Defends Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Amid ‘Foul Merchants’ Claims

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 NBA MVP, has been on the receiving end of criticism. He has been labeled as a ‘foul merchant’ for his ability to draw fouls. However, Paul George came in defense of the OKC Thunder star and emphasized on his basketball prowess and game intelligence.

He said, “It’s more to it with Shai than him foul baiting… He just understands how to play physical and get guys out of position. That’s why he’s so deadly.” Despite all the claims, Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance in the game remains undeniable. After leading Oklahoma City to record 68 wins, the 26-year-old edged over Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo to win his first NBA MVP.

The 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player is… Shai Gilgeous-Alexander!#NBAAwards | #KiaMVP | @Kia pic.twitter.com/yGpv5eycSF
— NBA (@NBA) May 21, 2025

He was also named the Western Conference Finals MVP as his team maintains an impressive 12-4 record across the first three rounds of the playoffs. Moreover, the Thunder are considered as strong contenders to win their first NBA title since moving from Seattle in 2008.

Paul George

Tyrese Haliburton

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.