Is Tyrese Haliburton Poised for Another All-NBA Selection? It Could Benefit the Indiana Pacers.

INDIANAPOLIS – The performance that Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has displayed since the All-Star break is nearly unparalleled in NBA history.

The 2024 Gold Medalist has excelled in his 18 games following a brief hiatus. Haliburton has accumulated 201 assists during that span, while only committing 20 turnovers, resulting in an impressive 10.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He is now the second player in NBA history (after Muggsy Bogues) to achieve over 200 assists and 20 or fewer turnovers within an 18-game period, and the Pacers have thrived accordingly, boasting a record of 13-5 during these games.

“He’s been able to excel, particularly within this system, and at a fast pace,” commented Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James regarding Haliburton and the Pacers. “The more he plays, the better he becomes.”

Haliburton’s ability to pass effectively while minimizing turnovers has always been his standout skill. For instance, in 2023-24, he led the league in assists per game, while the five players trailing him in that category all averaged more turnovers than the Pacers star.

In examining his noted 18-game span, while Bogues had comparable passing and caretaking abilities, Haliburton surpasses the former Charlotte floor general in nearly every other respect. The highest point total Bogues achieved in such a streak was 139; Haliburton currently stands at 379.

Very few players can match Haliburton’s scoring, passing, and efficiency during his post All-Star break run. The Pacers have an astounding 126.8 offensive rating with Haliburton on the court in this stretch.

“He’s a significant factor for us, without a doubt,” remarked Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle about Haliburton late last month. “Offensively, our spacing is improved. His skill level and passing provide a vital component… he brings us several key elements.”

Haliburton’s exceptional play has catapulted him into All-NBA discussions. His 2024-25 season has been unusual – starting slow and needing to rekindle his passion for the game to ignite his performance. His initial 15-25 games were significantly below his typical standard, affecting his All-Star candidacy. Even after making an All-NBA team the previous year, his early performance left a lackluster impression.

However, his showcase since mid-February has propelled him back into the conversation for accolades. Indiana is on the verge of securing home court advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, with Haliburton’s transformative offensive play being a crucial factor in the team’s rise to the upper echelons of the standings.

“He’s on my third-team All-NBA ballot right now, even though I don’t have a ballot,” noted Zach Lowe from The Ringer about Haliburton. “He’s performed at an even higher level for much of the season.”

Does Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton have an All-NBA case?

Haliburton’s argument for All-NBA consideration extends beyond mere statistics and advanced metrics, although his numbers speak volumes. Primarily, he embodies the Pacers’ playing style. They play at a rapid pace, pass more frequently than any other team, and generate high-quality shot opportunities, largely because Haliburton consistently creates excellent shots for himself and his teammates, all while guiding a franchise with the fourth-best record in the East.

His statistical case is strong as well. Only Nikola Jokic and Trae Young are averaging more assists per game than Haliburton, who is also now among the top 50 in both scoring and three-point shooting percentage. His offensive contributions are substantial, even on a per-game basis.

Advanced statistics depict a favorable narrative. Haliburton ranks seventh in the NBA in Basketball Reference’s Box Plus-Minus, with a fifth-place standing on the offensive side. According to ESPN’s Net Points, he is considered the eighth-most impactful player in the league, while Dunks And Threes’ Estimated Plus-Minus places him ninth. Most comprehensive metrics rate Haliburton highly due to his offensive prowess and significant impact on the Pacers’ success.

Haliburton indeed has an All-NBA argument, but his subpar performance in the 15 or so games between October and early December has hindered it. The star guard’s slow start continues to linger in people’s minds.

Nonetheless, Indiana’s floor commander possesses a compelling case for All-NBA recognition, and the Pacers are hopeful he secures the accolade. Last year, making the All-NBA third team led to a salary increase for Haliburton. This year, a similar outcome could have significant repercussions, albeit further down the road.

Since Haliburton completed his rookie-scale contract with the Pacers, he qualifies for a supermax deal with the franchise in the future, should he meet the necessary criteria. Indiana is the sole team with which he can sign such a deal, making his potential All-NBA status a critical factor in his future eligibility.

The official term for these contracts is a Designated Veteran Player Extension (DVPE), and to be eligible, players must achieve specific league awards in addition to having at least seven years of NBA service:

1. Be named to one of the league’s three All-NBA teams in either the most recent season or two of the previous three, or;
2. Be recognized as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in the most recent season or two of the previous three, or;
3. Be named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in one of the NBA’s past three seasons.

This is in addition to finishing their rookie contract with the team they currently play for, which applies to Haliburton. If one or more of the criteria listed above are met, then the player qualifies for a DVPE, which entails Higher Max Criteria possibilities.

In Haliburton’s case, this means he could be eligible for a contract extension beginning at 35% of the salary cap once his current deal expires. Generally, players don’t become eligible for 35% of the salary cap until they rack up a decade of service—unless they meet the requirements for a DVPE.

As Haliburton can only qualify for such an extension with the Pacers and no other team, his All-NBA position will greatly influence his future. Securing an All-NBA selection in 2024-25 would start the countdown for his supermax eligibility in Indiana by 2027. Additionally, if Haliburton is named to an All-NBA team this season, he would only need to make one more All-NBA appearance in the next two seasons to become DVPE eligible.

If he earns an All-NBA selection in both 2025 and 2026, then by the end of his seventh season in 2027, he would be qualified for Higher Max Criteria since he would have been named to an All-NBA team in two of the last three seasons. Should he attain an All-NBA recognition in 2027 as well, it would also certify him as DVPE eligible, granting him the opportunity to sign a substantial extension. In total, this means that making the All-NBA team in 2025 would afford Haliburton a two-season timeframe in which just one additional All-NBA selection would qualify him for a supermax contract.

Haliburton is currently performing admirably and focusing on team success. Although he isn’t guaranteed an All-NBA selection, a strong finish to the season could significantly enhance his chances for a lucrative contract in the future. For the Pacers, the franchise capable of offering such a deal, recognition for their star player would have profound importance.