The young star of the Indiana Pacers has left Kenny Smith supremely impressed. Tyrese Haliburton, the young prodigy of the Indiana Pacers, is reaching for the skies and taking the team to new heights. From being a bottom feeder, elite stars are viewing it as a potential destination to grow.

Getting ready to face the favorite championship contender, Boston Celtics, Haliburton gets his flowers from the “Jet”. Talking to him pre-game, the 23-year-old was asked if it would get any better than to be Kenny’s favorite.

Tyrese Haliburton gets props from Kenny “Jet” Smith

“Nah. I don’t know if it does,” Haliburton replied, chuckling. Just a few minutes earlier, Kenny hailed the 6’5 guard as “Primetime Television”. 

The Wisconsin native has completely rewritten the Pacers’ culture with his infectious positiveness. So much so that the franchise is rebuilding itself based on the kind of example set by their rising superstar. Not everyone was sure what to make of the newest acquisition of the Pacers.

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However, the management had a clear idea of what Haliburton was capable of when they got him in exchange for Sabonis. Pretty soon, they also convinced the rest of the team of what made him special.

Haliburton remains the key to the changes in Indiana

Buddy Hield was another player they had acquired, along with Tyrese, in 2022. A cynic himself upon his first meeting with Tyrese, the veteran shooting guard turned out to be the Robin to Batman. Getting a pair of guards with established chemistry between them was just the extra kick the Railroad City needed to get their engines going.

Read More: Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Rubs Shoulders With Michael Jordan and Lebron James After Creating Insane NBA Record

Between the two, they have established what is going to be a golden age for the Pacers. Indiana now plays at a speed that was never seen before. With Tyrese’s arrival, the Pacers have intensified their offense. They now lead the league in offensive rating at 123.6.

With the Hoosier State looking to start afresh with the Oshkosh product providing pointers, it won’t be long before star power will join the roster. And with such deep and long goals in mind, Indiana is not going to let go of their valuable player any time soon. In fact, it has only solidified with the max contract extension ($260 million) signed by Tyrese Haliburton in July. 

The Celtics vs Pacers matchup is underway now, with Boston holding the lead at halftime (at the time of writing). But there is just a seven-point deficit (48-55), which Indiana could easily turn around. After all, both of them are competing for a spot in the semi-finals.

Do you think the Pacers’ elite offense can break down a Porzingis-less Celtics defense to clinch that position? Let us know your picks for tonight’s win!

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