Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton enjoys fuel provided by doubters
Wed Jun 4 8:12pm ET
Field Level Media
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is preparing to play in the NBA Finals for the first time and is firmly established as one of the best players in the league.
Yet the satisfaction level never sinks in for the former three-star recruit at Oshkosh North in Wisconsin and the player traded by the Sacramento Kings just 109 games into his career.
"It will never stop. I think that's part of my drive," said Haliburton on Wednesday, one day before the Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. "Obviously, I want to be the best. I want to be great. I want to squeeze every ounce of God-given ability that I have to be the best player I can be.
"But any doubt is always good for me. I love to hear that stuff. I'll continue to tell you guys in certain moments that it doesn't matter what people say. But it matters and I enjoy it."
Haliburton, a two-time All-Star at age 25, has fueled the Pacers' rise while exceeding the expectation of others.
When the elite schools didn't covet Haliburton, he went to Iowa State. He was in the midst of a standout 2019-20 sophomore campaign with the Cyclones when he sustained a season-ending fractured left wrist.
He declared for the 2020 NBA Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings. During his second season, the Kings decided they needed to choose between De'Aaron Fox or Haliburton as their point guard. Fox was kept and Haliburton was dealt to the Pacers in February 2022.
Even though Sacramento received Domantas Sabonis in the deal, Indiana has gotten the better end of the transaction. In fact, the Kings no longer have Fox either.
Getting traded wasn't easy for Haliburton but he sure is thankful things occurred the way they did. They provided more fuel.
"I think the greats try to find external motivation as much as they can and that's something that's always worked for me," Haliburton said. "I understand what you're saying. It doesn't solidify who I am. I know who I am. I don't need anybody to tell me who I am or who I am as a player or person. I'm grounded in myself. ... But I think that extra doubt, that extra fuel always helps."
Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 73 regular-season games this season. In the playoffs, he is averaging 18.8 points, 9.8 assists and 5.7 rebounds.
Now the small-town kid who attended college in a small place is happy to be on the big stage. But he's miffed to hear Indianapolis mentioned as a small market.
"I just feel like being in Indy, like, it's a great place for me," Haliburton said. "Indy is a much bigger place than I'm even accustomed to. I know people say it's a small market, whatever the case is. Like, I didn't grow up somewhere where it was much bigger, have more to do.
"So, I love being in Indy. Indy has been a great place for me and my family. My whole family lives there now. We love being there. It's a lot of fun for me. I don't need the glitz and glamour of a large city or anything."
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- Pacers F Jarace Walker to miss at least first 2 games of finals
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Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum will likely spend another campaign with the team. According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Clippers expect the French veteran to return for next season. Batum, who will celebrate his 37th birthday in December, has a $4.9 million player option for 2025-26. This season, Batum averaged 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 17.5 minutes. While his fantasy value is at an all-time low, the Clippers appear to value Batum's veteran presence highly and want to keep him around for a little longer. In a recent interview with BeIN Sports, Batum mentioned that "there's a very good chance" next season will be his last in the NBA.
Phoenix Suns point guard Tyus Jones may once again be on the move this offseason. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reports that the Sacramento Kings are keeping tabs on Jones, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Jones reportedly sacrificed money and term last summer to sign with the Suns in hopes of contending for a championship. Unfortunately, reality turned out to be completely different. He's had three teams in three seasons and seems poised to move on again. The 29-year-old appears to be a good fit for the Kings, who lost their point guard De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs midseason. Jones has provided solid value to fantasy managers, averaging 10-plus points for three consecutive seasons. He also recorded 2.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season, while shooting 41.4 percent from downtown on 5.0 attempts.
Houston Rockets forward/center Jeff Green will turn 39 in August but wants to play two more years in the NBA. "I want to play as long as I can," the veteran said on The Zach Lowe Show. "The goal is to get to 20 years, so two shy. Houston has been home for me for the last couple of years, and I want to keep it that way. Hopefully, we can make something work where I can retire there, whether it be 20 or 21 years. My wife says 20 and that's it. So, I think I know what that is. So, two more years it is." Considering he missed the entire 2011-12 campaign due to open-heart surgery, Green's longevity in the game has been remarkable. However, it's been a few years since he was a factor in fantasy basketball. In 2024-25, Green was limited to 5.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.4 minutes across 31 games.
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, but the team is hoping to keep him around. Team sources have told The Athletic's Kelly Iko that Adams is seen as "the clear priority" amongst its unrestricted free agents this offseason. After missing the 2023-24 campaign due to a knee injury, Adams didn't play a lot during his comeback season, averaging 13.7 minutes across 58 outings, but he became a key piece for Houston late in the year. During the playoffs, Adams' playing time shot up to 22.1 minutes per game. According to Iko, the Rockets "are operating under the assumption Adams wants to return and will continue to speak with his representation about a possible extension." However, he also notes that Adams has plenty of interest around the league as an elite rebounder. Due to his health problems, Adams' fantasy value has deteriorated in recent years, but if he can stay healthy and log 20-plus minutes a night, the New Zealand big man might experience a renaissance in 2025-26.
Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet is expected to remain with the team for the 2025-26 season. League sources have told The Athletic's Kelly Iko that the likelihood of VanVleet playing for a different team next season is "slim." The 31-year-old has a $44.9 million player option for next season, but Iko points out that he could also negotiate a new deal with the Rockets at a lower, team-friendly salary. VanVleet's time in Houston has been marked by ups and downs. During his debut season last year, he achieved a career-high of 8.1 assists, but in 2024-25, his numbers declined across most categories, averaging 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He shot just 37.8 percent from the field, his lowest percentage since his rookie year in 2016-17. Fantasy managers will undoubtedly hope for a bounce-back year from VanVleet next season.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, "several executives" around the National Basketball Association believe Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis could be traded. The veteran is due to make nearly $31 million during the 2025-26 campaign. However, he's entering the final season of his current contract, so the franchise may look to move him while trying to avoid "massive tax implications." Porzingis played a significant role in helping the Celtics capture an NBA title. Unfortunately, he appeared in only 42 regular-season games in 2024-25 and was also limited by an illness during the playoffs. With that said, Porzingis is a productive fantasy option. However, his various health issues over the years will continue to negatively impact his fantasy value moving ahead.
According to New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, the organization intends to keep forward Zion Williamson on the roster. "I've had some really good conversations with Zion," said Dumars. "I've had some real honest conversations with him. We're going forward with Zion. He's going to continue to be a focal point here as we go forward." A woman the former Blue Devil dated filed a lawsuit recently, alleging rape and abuse. But as far as his issues on the court, he has had trouble staying healthy, appearing in 30 games or fewer four times during his career, including missing the entire 2021-22 campaign. However, Williamson is as good as it gets when healthy, averaging 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 214 regular-season contests. If he can remain off the injury report, he has All-Star upside. Still, fantasy managers who pick Williamson in drafts heading into the season will be taking a gamble based on his numerous ailments over the years.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. could be part of the regular rotation with the team next season. The 20-year-old was very little involved during his rookie campaign, playing a total of 181 minutes across 27 games and averaging 2.3 points. However, it looks like we may see a lot more of him in 2025-26. "He's 20 years old," a Western Conference executive told Sean Deveney of Athlon Sports. "He had a whole year where his development was thrown all out of whack. But he can defend the perimeter and he showed he can shoot the 3. If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year." Even if James carves out a regular role for himself next season, he is unlikely to make a significant impact in fantasy basketball.
Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum is scheduled to become a free agent, but there is a good chance he will stick around in Texas. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Exum and the Mavericks have "mutual interest" to work out a new deal. The Australian veteran is coming off a two-year, $6.15 million contract and has been linked with a move to newly-crowned EuroLeague champion Fenerbahce in Turkey. He may also attract other suitors in the NBA, considering Exum enjoyed a career year in 2024-25 with a scoring average of 9.1 points in 19.1 minutes. He shot an impressive 44.7 percent from three-point range and dished out 2.8 assists. With Kyrie Irving (knee) expected to be out until at least January, Exum could play a larger role in the Mavericks rotation if he signs a new deal with the team, enhancing his fantasy value.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker is seen as a potential target for the Orlando Magic this offseason. NBA insider Marc Stein has noted that Orlando "is a team to watch as a potential suitor" for Alexander-Walker, who is wrapping up a two-year, $9 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent. Alexander-Walker is coming off a solid year with the Timberwolves, having averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 25.3 minutes off the bench. He shot 38.1 percent from downtown on 4.5 attempts and improved his stock during the playoffs with a couple of 20-point outings. The Magic were by far the worst three-point shooting team in the league this season, making Alexander-Walker a good fit for them. However, his move to Florida likely won't affect Alexander-Walker's fantasy value, since his role will probably remain the same as it has been with the Timberwolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid will likely join the free agent pool this offseason. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, many around the league expect Reid to decline his $15 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign. Reid will be seeking a pay rise and possibly a more significant role going forward. Speaking during his exit interview last week, Reid said he "100 percent" sees himself as a starter in the NBA. Reid won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season and followed it up with a career year in 2024-25. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 27.5 minutes. In 17 starts, Reid pushed his numbers to 18.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks. Fantasy managers can expect similar numbers from him next season if Reid secures a starting role. For that to happen, he will likely need to move away from Minneapolis, as Rudy Gobert is blocking his path with the Timberwolves.
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo has been linked with a move to the Toronto Raptors. "I don't know if it will happen but I do know there is mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors," writes Raptors insider Doug Smith in his mailbag column for the Toronto Star. "The wild card is the cost. But I also think the Raptors are uniquely placed to make an attractive offer that won't ruin their franchise or roster." Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee is murky following the team's three consecutive first-round exits in the playoffs. With ESPN's Brian Windhorst recently mentioning that the Raptors are looking for a "big fish" this summer, Antetokounmpo's potential move to north of the border may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Antetokounmpo will turn 31 next season, but the two-time MVP shows no signs of slowing down and should once again be among the first names off the draft board in fantasy leagues this fall.
Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (ankle) is expected to miss "at least" the first two games of the NBA Finals versus OKC. He tweaked his ankle in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, requiring assistance to the locker room. The 21-year-old was also observed leaving the arena on crutches. Walker has been used sporadically throughout the postseason, averaging only 3.0 points and 1.8 boards in 9.8 minutes of action. That likely won't change if he's cleared to return during the finals. But his absence should at least give a few more minutes to Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin from off the bench, slightly increasing their DFS potential.
According to Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, there is a belief that forward Julius Randle will remain with the team. The 30-year-old appeared in only 46 contests due to a shoulder injury in his final season with the Knicks. He was then traded to Minnesota last offseason in the deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. While Randle managed to appear in 69 games during the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged only 18.7 points and 7.1 rebounds, his lowest marks since his last year with the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2017-18. The 2014 No. 7 overall pick has until June 29 to decide if he will opt in to his nearly $31 million player option. But considering the landscape of available funds for most teams around the National Basketball Association, many believe he will. There's also a chance he could agree to a new contract. With that in mind, Randle may not be as productive as he once was, but he's still capable of playing at an All-Star level, and a bounce-back season is certainly possible, especially if he stays with the Timberwolves.
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (hip) will be available for Saturday's Game 6 against the New York Knicks. He was listed as questionable on the injury report due to a left hip strain, but Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters during his pregame press conference that Bradley is available. However, Carlisle added that it will be an in-game decision on whether he will utilize the 27-year-old big man. Bradley entered the Pacers' rotation in Game 2 against the Knicks and has averaged 9.5 minutes, scoring 2.0 points and grabbing 2.0 rebounds. He is not someone fantasy managers should pay attention to.
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (hip) is questionable for Saturday's clash with the Knicks. The 27-year-old didn't see much action during the regular season. However, head coach Rick Carlisle has gotten him on the floor during the series versus New York in an attempt to give Indy some size underneath the rim. Unfortunately, Bradley suffered a hip-flexor strain in Game 5 on Thursday night and needed help off the floor. With that in mind, he has averaged only two points and two boards during the Eastern Conference Finals, so he won't see much attention from DFS managers, even if he is active. Thomas Bryant would be in line for more action if Bradley can't suit up, although he likely won't be much more productive.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) isn't listed on the injury report heading into Saturday's showdown with the Pacers. KAT injured his left knee during Game 4 and popped up on the injury report ahead of Game 5. Fortunately, the ailment didn't keep him off the floor, and he finished with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double. Towns has averaged 25.4 points and 11.8 boards during the series. However, he has gotten himself into foul trouble several times throughout the Eastern Conference Finals, which has undoubtedly impacted his statistical contributions.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will be in action on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers. His status was initially uncertain after Towns injured his left knee in Tuesday's clash with the Pacers, leading the Knicks to list him as questionable on the injury report. However, TNT's Allie LaForce has reported that Towns will play in the do-or-die contest. The Knicks must win on Thursday to extend the series. Given the situation, Towns looks set for an extremely busy night. He is averaging 25.8 points and 11.5 rebounds in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) has been cleared to play in Thursday's Game 5 against the New York Knicks. He was initially listed as questionable for the contest due to a right ankle sprain Nesmith suffered in Game 3 of the series. Nesmith has been excellent in the series, averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals with red-hot 61.9 percent shooting from downtown. The Knicks must do a better job guarding Nesmith around the three-point line; otherwise, their season could be over following Thursday night.
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle led his squad with 24 points in Wednesday's disappointing 124-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which ended the team's season. Randle finished 8-for-14 from the field and went 4-for-6 from three-point land, adding five rebounds, three assists, and one steal to his tally. The 30-year-old impressed through the first two series during the postseason but had a tough time against the Thunder, finishing two games with single-digit scoring. A second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Finals shows that Minnesota's move to acquire Randle worked out well, though he did not reach the level of play that earned him All-Star honors in New York. Randle's numbers dipped across the board, as he averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 69 regular-season appearances.
