The bond between teammates often defines a team’s identity, especially when adversity hits. For the Indiana Pacers, life without their franchise player, Tyrese Haliburton, is challenging, but the respect he commands remains on full display. Pascal Siakam, in particular, has found a unique way to honor his injured teammate, a gesture that shows their connection goes far beyond the court.
Why Is Pascal Siakam’s Viral Handshake So Important to the Pacers?
Siakam and Haliburton established a signature dap they performed together before leaving the tunnel to take the court. It was their pre-game ritual.
With Haliburton now sidelined by a significant injury, fans quickly took notice when Siakam started performing the handshake by himself. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for the clip of Siakam’s solo dap to go viral.
This solo ritual is a tribute to Haliburton, who tore his right Achilles tendon just minutes into Game 7 of the 2024-25 NBA Finals. Haliburton, the team’s leader and a beloved figure in the locker room, had been playing through the injury during the final stretch of the playoffs. He later admitted that there was no way he was going to sit out that decisive game.
What Does This Bond Mean for Indiana’s Future?
Despite the heartbreaking loss in the finals, Siakam praised Haliburton for doing what many modern NBA stars seem unwilling to do: play through the pain for the team.
“He did some incredible things this whole playoff run, and this year, and I’m just super proud of him, obviously,” Siakam said after Game 7, per Bleacher Report. “It hurts, ’cause we couldn’t get it done. And I wanted it so bad for him. Because I know that he gave us everything, and it just hurts that he couldn’t see it through with us.”
Additionally, the Cameroonian big man lauded Haliburton for thinking about his teammates even while he was hurting.
“He was in the locker room, talking to everyone. And just how selfless he is,” Siakam continued. “He’s going through some tough times, and he looked out for us, and he wanted to be there for us. It just shows his character and who he is as a player, and one of the big reasons I’m here.”
MORE: Pascal Siakam Fantasy Outlook: Should You Draft the Indiana Pacers Power Forward This Year?
That commitment from Haliburton clearly influenced Siakam’s own decisions. The Toronto Raptors traded Siakam, who was about to become a free agent, to the Pacers midway through the 2023-24 season. He then committed to the organization by signing a four-year, $189.5 million contract that will keep him with the team through the 2027-28 season.
Ultimately, Siakam’s belief in the team’s vision seems deeply connected to his respect for Haliburton. He knows that his point guard will be instrumental in getting back to the league’s biggest stage, and their bond is a foundation the Pacers can build on.
