Tyrese Haliburton Avoids Stephen A. Smith’s Wrath—For Now

Tyrese Haliburton has been making waves in the NBA playoffs, showcasing superstar skills, yet some prominent figures remain hesitant to accept the Indiana Pacers guard into the elite “superstar” club. Stephen A. Smith, a key voice at ESPN, has been one of the most outspoken skeptics regarding Haliburton's status. After leading his team to victory in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Haliburton expressed frustration with media narratives, declaring that their opinions do not affect him.In a spirited rebuttal, Smith reminded Haliburton that numerous former players—like Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal—are constantly evaluating the game. He labeled Haliburton's comments as misguided, emphasizing his own role as an early advocate for the young star.Smith's persistence in critiquing athletes has triggered tensions; as players, including LeBron James, push back against journalistic scrutiny. With Haliburton's recent surge, the dialogue between him and Smith is sure to intensify.