NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Indiana Pacers have a star in Tyrese Haliburton. However, no one outside of Indianapolis cares to admit that. This season, he was named the most Overrated Player in the NBA. What’s more damaging is that his NBA peers did it. Not coaches, GMs, owners, or even the media, it was current NBA players.
With all that said, here he is leading his team to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals. Looking at the praise or lack thereof, Haliburton reminds me of how the NFL world saw and at times still views Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Both players have proven they can make the big shot or the big throw, and yet, they still don’t get the respect they deserve over players loved by players or analysts. But why is that?
Hurts was drafted to be a backup to Carson Wentz. Haliburton was drafted to push De’Aaron Fox in Sacramento. As his game began to blossom, he was put in trade rumors with less than a handful of seasons under his belt. According to the Kings, he wasn’t ready to lead.
Since joining the Pacers, Haliburton has been named to an NBA All-Star twice, won a Gold Medal, led the Pacers to two Conference Finals, led the league in assists, and has carried the Pacers franchise on his back. And if we want to talk about play on the floor, he takes and makes big shot after big shot.
It’s the same with Jalen Hurts. Since taking over as the Eagles starting QB, all he has done is led them to 2 Super Bowl appearances, winning one and continues to prove how a QB should be viewed. And yet, he’s not mentioned with the likes of Pat Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or Josh Allen.
Why is Haliburton not mentioned with the likes of Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, or even Jalen Brunson as the new face of the league candidates? Neither has a ring to their names, and yet, Haliburton is doing the same thing Hurts has done on the football field. He continues to win while the others are sitting at home watching him.
Hurts is not as flashy as Jackson. Not as daring as Allen, and hasn’t won more SBs than Mahomes. However, all he does is win when it matters most. Haliburton is in the same boat. He’s not as flashy as Edwards. He doesn’t have the scoring resume as SGA. He’s not as tough as Doncic, and still, he’s at the same level as those other big-time players.
Tyrese Haliburton is a PG who does PG things. Stephen Curry is a PG who does SG things. Hurts is a QB, but the success of that position is often viewed by the number of yards and TDs they can throw. A true QB should be measured in wins and how they lead their team. The same with PGs. What happened to the days of Magic Johnson and John Stockton?
It’s time for the sports world to take its eyes away from the flashy and focus on the play. Haliburton, like Hurts is a leader. They want the ball in their hands when the game is on the line. They want to be the one making the tough plays. They want to be the one accepting the blame when things go wrong.
Hurts will never be considered the face of the NFL due to other players with higher profiles. Haliburton will never be considered the face of the NBA due to players with larger profiles. It’s just the way it is in those leagues. Winning should be the standard but highlights will always reign supreme over respect.
