Stephen Curry is widely regarded as a generational talent in basketball. His influence extends beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. It’s his character and leadership that resonate with many, including Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton, a rising star in the NBA, has often expressed his admiration for Curry, not just as a player but as a person. Their relationship, filled with mutual respect, blossomed during their time together on Team USA. Despite the age difference, Haliburton refers to Curry affectionately as “Unc,” showing the close bond they’ve developed over time.

Their first real experience together came during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Curry carried Team USA with clutch performances, scoring 36 points against Serbia in the semifinals and nailing key threes in the gold medal game versus France. Haliburton’s role was smaller, playing only three games for a total of 26 minutes, scoring eight points. Despite limited playing time, he joked about feeling like a student who did minimal work but still got the gold. Even in a supporting role, he soaked in every lesson from the veterans, something that may as well have played a part in what came next in the NBA as well.

In a recent episode of The Old Man and The Three podcast, Haliburton reflected on his experiences with Curry. When asked about Curry’s impact on him, Haliburton didn’t hesitate. “Steph is the greatest human being I’ve met in basketball,” he said. “I’ve never met a better person.” This statement shows the profound influence Curry has had on Haliburton, both professionally and personally. The younger guard spoke about how Curry would often invite him to work out after practices, offering guidance and sharing insights. These moments were invaluable learning experiences for Haliburton, shaping his approach to the game and life.

Haliburton also shared how their relationship goes beyond basketball. He fondly recalled how Curry would check in on him, offering support and advice. “When we play every time, play Golden State, if it’s there or if it’s here, we’re going to get dinner,” Haliburton mentioned. This gesture of friendship and mentorship has left a lasting impression on Haliburton, reinforcing the idea that true leaders lead by example, both on and off the court.

But he wasn’t done yet. Haliburton continued, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s greats. “For me, growing up in Wisconsin, he was at Davidson killing Wisconsin in the tournament, and now full circle for us to have, like, this great relationship,” he said. Haliburton’s experience with Curry serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of humility, respect, and the willingness to learn from others.

How Tyrese Haliburton jokingly blamed Stephen Curry for the Olympics

Tyrese Haliburton may have walked away from the 2024 Paris Olympics with a gold medal, but his playing time was far from memorable. The Pacers guard appeared in just three games, totaling 26 minutes and scoring eight points. Yet Haliburton approached the situation with humor, sharing a post on X that instantly resonated with fans. “When you ain’t do nun on the group project and still get an A,” he wrote, showing off his gold medal with a grin. It was a lighthearted way to acknowledge his limited court time while celebrating the team’s achievement.

Despite his brief appearances, Haliburton didn’t shy away from crediting the veterans around him, especially Stephen Curry. The guard playfully hinted that Curry’s dominance in games often left little opportunity for others. Fans couldn’t help but smile at the relatability, seeing Haliburton as the “kid in the group project” who still enjoyed the reward. His post quickly went viral, with reactions ranging from laughter to admiration for his ability to stay humble and positive even when his minutes were restricted.

Tyrese Haliburton saw just 26 minutes across three games for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, serving mostly as a bench player. He contributed briefly in group play and the quarterfinals but did not play in the semifinals or final. While he admitted the role was an “ego-check,” Steve Kerr commended his professionalism on a stacked, gold-winning roster.

Regardless, off the court, Haliburton’s humor didn’t erase the respect he holds for Curry and the Olympic team. He acknowledged how learning from Curry and other stars like LeBron James made the experience invaluable. Even with limited time, he joked about the situation while soaking in lessons from basketball’s best. Haliburton’s playful confession offers a refreshing view of Team USA’s dynamics.

In the end, Haliburton’s story is about more than just a shooting night; it’s about mentorship, curiosity, and the fun that comes with learning from the best.