NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discusses Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton
LAS VEGAS — Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton made a name for himself on the national stage this week. He had three excellent outings during the In-Season Tournament Knockout Rounds and helped lead the Pacers to the title game.
Haliburton craved a chance to prove himself, and he did so on a big stage. He didn't miss his moment, and now he's on a star path. He's averaging 26.9 points and 12.1 assists per game this season.
The In-Season Tournament helped Haliburton grow in popularity this week. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who is very excited about what the event became and could grow into, was asked about Haliburton and his ascent during a press conference before the In-Season Tournament title game on Saturday night.
"I think you all know him well in Indiana. I think fans on a national level forget that he was an All-Star last year. So he has been recognized already as a top player. But it's a great storyline," Silver said of Haliburton's play. This is the first year of the In-Season Tournament, and the Commissioner thinks there could be some changes in the future. He will work with the league and teams on what those tweaks could be.
He had more to say about Haliburton. "I mean, to your point, to see one of the most storied players in NBA history here in the tournament together with a young team, led by Tyrese. The enthusiasm that Tyrese and his teammates have brought to this competition, I think in a positive way, with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. I think not the same kind of national exposure that many other teams get, not that many national dates sort of on our calendar," he said. "But they have seen it in a positive way. I spent some time yesterday with that team. We did a community event here at the Boys & Girls Club with a group of their players, and they were embracing it. They see it as an opportunity, and I'm thrilled to hear that."
Haliburton and the rest of the Pacers certainly saw the event as an opportunity. They played on a bigger stage, beating the Celtics on TNT and the Bucks on ESPN, and they had many media opportunities in Las Vegas. Indiana showed who they are and what they hope to be as they improve.
Ultimately, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the blue and gold in the title game. But the In-Season Tournament was still a positive experience for the Pacers and Haliburton, and they are a better team thanks to their run this week.
- The Indiana Pacers are having a moment they were built for. CLICK HERE.
- What the Indiana Pacers lost in the In-Season Tournament Finals they gained in experience. CLICK HERE.
- Steven Rales purchased 15% of Indiana Pacers from Herbert Simon, now owns 20% of the team pending NBA approval. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers overpowered by Los Angeles Lakers in In-Season Tournament Finals. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
