The Indiana Pacers suffered one other setback Monday evening, dropping an in depth 119-115 contest to the Orlando Magic.
The loss stung deeper as Pacers followers watched the Magic’s spectacular exhibiting, highlighting one other rising power within the Jap Convention.
Tyrese Haliburton’s struggles continued, because the Pacers’ star managed simply 6 of 15 from the sphere within the defeat.
With a disappointing 1-3 begin to the 2024-25 season, final 12 months’s Jap Convention Finals runner-up finds itself underneath growing scrutiny.
NBA analysts have begun questioning the staff’s trajectory, with ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins delivering significantly pointed criticism about their playoff prospects.
Perkins particularly focused Haliburton’s early-season efficiency, elevating issues in regards to the guard’s offseason preparation.
“I’m watching a guy like Tyrese Halliburton come into this season, I don’t know if he’s necessarily been putting in the work that he needs to put in,” Perkins remarked on ESPN’s Countdown.
He drew comparisons to different younger skills, noting, “When you’re watching the other young guys around the league, from Paulo Banchero to Chet Holmgren, those guys look like they’ve been working on what they need to work on.”
“I don’t know if [Tyrese Haliburton] necessarily been putting in the work that he needs to put in.” 😳 @KendrickPerkins desires to see extra from Hali and the Indiana Pacers this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/7F9xzWlryF
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 30, 2024
The numbers help a few of these issues. Haliburton’s statistics have taken a noticeable dip, averaging simply 14 factors whereas capturing a regarding 26 p.c from three-point vary.
His playmaking impression has additionally diminished, managing solely 5 assists by means of the opening 4 video games.
Nonetheless, is it a bit too early to guage the Pacers?
The Pacers demonstrated their potential as a lower-seed playoff staff final season, suggesting they possess the aptitude to reverse their present trajectory.
Whereas Haliburton’s efficiency hasn’t matched his All-NBA requirements, the season stays younger.
For Haliburton, the trail ahead is obvious. To dispel notions of final season being an anomaly and silence critics like Perkins, he must rediscover the shape that made him one of many league’s most fun younger gamers.
NEXT:
Tyrese Haliburton Is Off To A Tough Begin To Season
