Tyrese Haliburton in NBA Legend Territory?

Despite losing in a 4-0 sweep to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers can hold their heads high. Tyrese Haliburton helped lead the Pacers to the second-highest offensive rating and earned his first All-NBA nod and second All-Star appearance.

Considering his success added to the Pacers' postseason journey, Haliburton warrants his spot on HoopsHype's Top-100 Player Rankings.

Haliburton averaged 20.1 points and a career-high 10.9 assists, leading the 2023-24 season, and posted an above-league-average 57 effective field goal percentage.

Not only did Haliburton quarterback an elite offense, but his tempo-pushing game stopped the Pacers' four-season playoff drought. Haliburton played like a "new-aged" Steve Nash, with more pace and less hesitancy to score.

Out of 100 players, HoopsHype graded Haliburton as the 12th-best player in the NBA. As an All-NBA player, such a ranking doesn't come as a surprise. However, who he lands in front of makes for a controversial decision. The two players trailing behind Haliburton are Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James and Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry.

At first glance, such a decision seems out of the question regarding the greatness of the aforementioned legends. However, considering James' and Curry's ages, Father Time is closer than he is far; Haliburton could end the year as the better player for the three.

Related: Caitlin Clark, Tyrese Haliburton Lead Indiana

Nonetheless, earning mention in the same breath as Curry and James marks significant success in Haliburton's career trajectory.

Ultimately, arbitrary rankings pale in comparison to playoff success at this juncture for Haliburton and his Pacers.