In a candid sit-down interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton opened up about what it truly means to carry the weight of expectations — not just from fans and coaches, but from within himself. Known for his high basketball IQ, flashy assists, and ever-present smile, Haliburton has quickly transformed from a promising young player into one of the NBA’s brightest and most scrutinized stars.
But with that rise has come something few ever really talk about: the pressure of success.
“I love this game, and I’m grateful for everything,” Haliburton told Andrews during the segment. “But sometimes people forget that when you start playing well, the pressure doesn’t go away — it just changes.”
Haliburton, just 24 years old, has been one of the league’s most exciting playmakers since being drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2020. His trade to Indiana was initially met with mixed reactions from fans, but it quickly became clear that the Pacers had found a cornerstone. In the 2024-25 season, Haliburton averaged over 21 points and 10 assists per game, earning his second All-Star nod and leading Indiana deep into the playoffs — something few expected this early in his tenure.
Yet, as he explained to Andrews, the spotlight can be a double-edged sword.
“Once people see you doing great things, they expect it every night. You can’t have a bad game. If you score 10 and dish out 9 assists, it’s like, ‘What happened to you?’” Haliburton said. “There’s this pressure to be perfect, especially when you’re labeled the franchise guy.”
He emphasized that success doesn’t eliminate anxiety — it often amplifies it.
“I’m not just playing for myself anymore,” he continued. “I’m playing for a city, for teammates, for fans who put everything into this team. That pressure… it’s real.”
The Journey from Underrated to Unmissable
Coming out of Iowa State, Haliburton wasn’t seen as a future franchise savior. Though scouts loved his instincts and unselfish play, doubts about his unorthodox shooting form and slight frame led to him falling to the 12th pick. In hindsight, that seems laughable. Haliburton has consistently outperformed higher draft picks and has become the emotional and strategic leader of the Pacers.
“You remember who doubted you,” he told Andrews with a smile. “But you also start realizing that success means you have to keep proving them wrong — over and over.”
That chip on his shoulder hasn’t gone away. It’s just evolved. What used to be motivation to get there is now a determination to stay there.
Mental Health and Vulnerability
What makes Haliburton’s perspective especially powerful is his willingness to discuss mental health — something many athletes still hesitate to address publicly. With Malika Andrews, he didn’t shy away from the emotional toll that comes with being the face of a franchise.
“There are nights I go home and replay every play in my head,” Haliburton said. “Even when we win, I think, ‘Could I have made a better read? Could I have taken a smarter shot?’ That internal pressure can be louder than anything fans or media say.”
He added that he’s been learning how to handle that stress more constructively — through therapy, journaling, meditation, and leaning on close friends and family.
“It took me a while to understand that taking care of your mind is just as important as working on your jump shot,” he said. “And I want younger players to hear that. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes.”
Leadership in Action
Haliburton’s leadership extends beyond stats. His positive energy, constant encouragement of teammates, and willingness to take responsibility during tough moments have earned him respect around the league. Several young Pacers have described him as the “glue” that holds the team together.
When asked by Andrews about what kind of leader he wants to be remembered as, Haliburton responded thoughtfully: “I want to be the guy who made everyone better — not just on the court, but as people. I want my teammates to say, ‘Tyrese always had my back.’”
It’s a refreshing take in a league that often celebrates flash over substance. And it’s part of what makes Haliburton’s rise so inspiring.
What’s Next?
With the Pacers showing signs of becoming legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference, expectations for Haliburton will only increase. But as he’s already shown, he doesn’t shy away from the moment — he embraces it.
“I used to be afraid of messing up,” he said. “Now I understand that pressure is a privilege. If people expect a lot from me, it means I’ve earned that trust. I just have to keep growing, keep leading, and keep loving the game.”
Malika Andrews closed the interview by asking Haliburton to describe his mindset in one word.
Without hesitation, he replied: “Grateful.”
That one word says everything about who Tyrese Haliburton is — a star defined not just by his stats, but by his humility, heart, and hunger to rise above the weight of success.
