Who Is Knicks Announcer Wally Szczerbiak? Explaining His Beef With “Wannabe All-Star” Tyrese Haliburton

The Indiana Pacers are on a roll this season, occupying the seventh spot in the East. Their success this season can be attributed to their offensive hub, Tyrese Haliburton, whose elite playmaking is taking the team to new heights. In their recent victory against the New York Knicks, the point guard broke a slew of records. He joined the elite list of players, including only Magic Johnson and John Stockton, to post back-to-back 20-point, 20-assist games. He also tied with Jamaal Tinsley for the highest number of assists, dishing out an impressive 23 assists against the Knicks.

Not only did he shatter records, but he also sought retribution. Around this time last year, Knicks announcer Wally Szczerbiak made disparaging remarks about Haliburton, confidently labeling him a “wannabe All-Star.” But who exactly is Wally Szczerbiak?

The history between Haliburton and the Knicks broadcaster

Walter Robert “Wally” Szczerbiak Jr. is currently a color analyst for the New York Knicks on MSG Network. However, before this, he was a former basketball player, who had stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Interestingly, the Miami alum is also a former All-Star, who earned his place on the All-Star team in 2002.

However, his beef with Haliburton dates back to last December. Haliburton missed a potentially game-winning shot during the Indiana Pacers loss to the Knicks last year. After the game, Wally did not mince his words when he commented, “Mister supposed wannabe fake All-Star with a big miss,” while watching the recap.

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He further added that the Knicks have far better players on the roster who would deserve the All-Star selection over the 23-year-old guard. Despite what Wally thought, the Pacers guard went on to have an amazing season, including his first All-Star selection.

Tyrese Haliburton finally avenged last year’s diss

Now, fast-forward to December 2023, the Pacers were once again up against the Knicks. Fueled by last year’s diss, the All-Star point guard erupted for 22 points to help his team clinch a 140-126 victory over the Knicks. The Iowa State alum even stared down at the Knicks announcer and trash-talked multiple times during the game.

When questioned about it post-game, Haliburton responded, “He had some stuff to say last year. It’s all done and over with but it’s the first time I’ve seen him since then, so, had to say something.”

Following Haliburton’s statements, Szczerbiak apologized to John Haliburton, Tyrese’s father, stating that it “was not my finest hour” and that he was dead wrong about his son.

What are your thoughts on the beef between the Knicks announcer and Haliburton? Let us know in the comments!

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