Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is emerging as one of the NBA’s most marketable young players. While Haliburton will sit out this upcoming season, he’s reflecting on his personal journey and all the tribulations he’s dealt with. He recently gave insight into one of his most challenging moments.
Tyrese Haliburton Recalls Mental Health Challenges
Haliburton revealed that constant online trolling over his lack of game time during Team USA’s run to the Olympic Gold Medal in the 2024 Olympics took a toll on his mental health. Haliburton discussed dealing with the online comments while promoting the second season of Netflix’s Starting 5. The documentary profiled Haliburton through the end of last season.
Haliburton revealed that eventually the constant trolling forced him to visit a sports psychologist. He said ” I was in a dark place. My joy for basketball just wasn’t there. And I’m just such a guy who, basketball, I love the game.” Haliburton started last season in a poor shooting slump, as he shot 34.6% from the field and 25% from three.
He revealed that he lacked confidence and spoke to Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. Carlisle recommended that Haliburton speak to Dr. Jaimie Rubin, the team’s director of sports psychology and team wellness. Haliburton said ” I’m just not ok in life, and I need to tell you guys that, just so I can speak through that and let’s work through what is going to be the best route for me.”
Tyrese Haliburton très ému par ce message de Reggie Miller, interrogé sur qu’il dirait aux gens qui doutent toujours de lui :
« Tout ce que je dirai, c’est : regardez les Game 6 et Game 7 des Finales NBA. Il n’y aura plus jamais le moindre doute sur le cœur, la volonté, la… pic.twitter.com/LPHYsOIjDS
— Basket-Infos (@Basket_Infos) October 15, 2025
Haliburton eventually overcame his early season shooting slump to finish the regular season averaging 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game as he led the Pacers to their second Eastern Conference championship in franchise history. He averaged 17.3 points and 8.6 assists per game in the playoffs, perhaps dealing with extra motivation as he was voted the league’s most overrated player by his peers in an anonymous poll.
Haliburton’s playoff run ended in an unfortunate manner, as he torn his right achilles tendon in the first half of game seven of the NBA Finals. The Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Haliburton will miss the entire upcoming season while rehabbing.
Haliburton’s injury and the shocking departure of center Myles Turner to the rival Milwaukee Bucks have led many media members to predict a down year for the Pacers, with some anticipating a reload during the 2026-2027 season. However, the Pacers still All Star Pascal Siakam, a core of impressive young players and one of the best coaches in the league in Carlisle.
The Pacers could overachieve this season, but for Haliburton, sitting out the season is just another obstacle for him to overcome.
