“Moves Aren’t That Exciting”: Nikola Jokic Gets Reality Check From $260 Million NBA All-Star Despite Other Praises

When the 2023 All-Star was traded to the Indiana Pacers, he literally gave it a full makeover. Not only did he play for the team and represent them successfully, he also started to transform the team in a good way. Because the Pacers were going through a rough patch until they acquired this $260 million point guard in February 2022. Now the franchise currently has an immensely dominating attack, all thanks to the 23-year-old prodigy.

Due to his technical mind and innovative gameplay, the organization is reaching the heights of success they have always wanted. However, during an interview with the Ringer, this young prodigy spoke about the Joker and spoke about how his gameplay wasn’t exciting enough.

The Pacers rising star gives a reality check to Nikola Jokic

Tyrese Haliburton, the rookie signing whose presence resulted in a rapid adjustment in the Pacers’ game plan. Quicker passes, quicker three-point attempts, and a faster-paced approach transformed a stumbling club into an explosive force. Myles Turner wasn’t able to contain his delight as he witnessed the turnaround, and the reporters were also forced to speed up in order to stay with the rapid speed at which Haliburton organized the attack.

Read More: Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton Credits NBA 2K for Gaining Immense “Hoop Knowledge”

However, due to his newly adapted game style being successful, he questioned the conventional basketball techniques in the interview with the Ringer. He thinks that the games of the other teams aren’t thrilling enough and specifically called out Nikola Jokic.  He said, “Sabonis is an elite big man in the league. But post-moves aren’t exciting. You know what I mean? Even [Nikola] Jokic, he’s probably the best player in the world right now. But post-moves aren’t that exciting. That’s just how basketball works.”

According to Haliburton, Jokic has achieved success, but his playing style isn’t sufficiently thrilling for those watching. And, as his coach Rick Carlisle describes his individual gameplay as a “burst of change,” he breaks all the standards ever established by traditional basketball. His inventiveness, precise passing, and understanding of space have driven the Pacers’ offense to new heights.

Why is Haliburton the cornerstone for the Pacers?

In 2022-23, Tyrese Haliburton produced 20.7 points, 10.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. He is a capable three-point shooter, while also being a competent guard. Haliburton earned a 23.8 point per game average in 2023-24 with a 66% of average three-pointers made in a game. Not only that, he boasts of a perfect free throw accuracy of 94.9%. In addition to being a top scorer, he also creates a lot of opportunities for his teammates and averages 12.2 assists per game. However, Haliburton’s influence extends outside the realm of the court.

His style of squad building has become the squad’s brand, influencing the main office’s tactics. The roster revamp, which includes players such as Bruce Brown, Obi Toppin, and youngster Jarace Walker, reflects the team’s dedication to a quicker, more exciting style of basketball.

The city of Indianapolis is enjoying not just a squad’s rebirth, but an athletic transformation headed by Tyrese Haliburton. His impact goes outside of the statistics, upsetting existing standards and bringing in a new age of Pacers basketball. However, do you think Haliburton’s guidance can help the Pacers win a ring this season? Let us know in the comments below.

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