Tyrese Haliburton has been a driving force behind the Indiana Pacers’ back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances, yet his name has often been met with skepticism. Earlier this season, an anonymous NBA player poll labeled Haliburton as the most overrated player in the league, sparking debate among fans and analysts.
Now, two rising stars—Cooper Flagg and Walter Clayton Jr.—are pushing back against that narrative, arguing that Haliburton is actually the most underrated player in the NBA.
During the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, incoming rookie Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 overall pick, was asked who he believed was the most underrated player in the league. Without hesitation, he responded:
“I would say Tyrese Haliburton, because people hate him and call him overrated all the time and say he’s not that good. But he’s such a good basketball player.”
Cooper Flagg says Tyrese Haliburton is the most underrated player
“I would say Tyrese Haliburton, because people hate him and call him overrated all the time, and say he’s not that good—but he’s just such a good basketball player.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 13, 2025
Flagg wasn’t alone in his assessment. Walter Clayton Jr., fresh off a national championship run with Florida, echoed the sentiment, saying:
“Everybody calls him overrated, I say Hali (burton).”
Their comments reflect a growing belief among younger players that Haliburton’s impact is underappreciated, particularly because he plays for a small-market team rather than a traditional powerhouse.
Despite the criticism, Haliburton has been instrumental in Indiana’s postseason success. He leads the NBA in total assists during the 2025 playoffs, showcasing his ability to control the pace, create for teammates, and deliver in clutch moments.
His leadership has helped the Pacers eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, proving that he is more than just an All-Star—he is a franchise cornerstone.
While Haliburton receives individual recognition, his overall impact on the league is often overlooked. Playing for a team that has never won an NBA championship, he lacks the mainstream attention that stars in Los Angeles, Boston, or New York receive.
However, as the Pacers continue their deep playoff run, the perception of Haliburton is shifting. With young stars like Flagg and Clayton Jr. publicly backing him, the narrative surrounding his career may finally change.
