Indianapolis – Buddy Hield, Tristan Thompson, and the crown jewel of the Kings/Pacers trade Tyrese Haliburton made their local media debut after practice Wednesday as they prepare to play in their first Pacers game vs the Cavs on Friday. Haliburton didn’t seem too surprised that the Pacers zeroed in on him because of his pre-draft work with then Mavs coach Rick Carlisle:
Haliburton: “He (Carlisle) tried to get me in the draft. I’m not surprised he went and got me here.”
— Pat Boylan (@PatBoylanPacers) February 10, 2022
After being burned by former Pacers stars Paul George and Victor Oladipo, fans are cautious about a long term commitment to the city, but Haliburton made it an emphasis to share his excitement to be back in the Midwest.
Haliburton wears 0 in part because of a former Pacer – CJ Miles, who he was a fan of and played with in 2K.
— Pat Boylan (@PatBoylanPacers) February 10, 2022
Haliburton calls the last couple of days a “whirlwind, unexpected to say the least, but it’s all for the best.”
Says he’s a Midwest kid at heart, is excited to be closer to home. pic.twitter.com/VF7ByqLE6T
— Pat Boylan (@PatBoylanPacers) February 10, 2022
TV Voice of the Pacers Chris Denari was at Haliburton’s first local media availability and told JMV about his connection to Indiana:
“He’s a Midwesterner. He’s from Oshkosh, Wisconsin and he shared with us today he has a lot of family in Kokomo so he is very familiar with central Indiana and has spent time each and ever year here. His girlfriend is from Iowa and his family is very excited that he’s back in the Midwest…while he said he was very surprised this happened, he’s very excited about this opportunity with the Indiana Pacers.”
To hear JMV’s full NBA Trade Deadline reaction including his thoughts on the Pacers keeping Myles Turner, and flipping Torrey Craig to Phoenix for Jalen Smith, listen to the full show podcast below!
