Indiana Pacers supporters won’t have to wait for the next season to see Tyrese Haliburton in action—this time as a broadcaster. Haliburton is set to make his debut as a player contributor on “NBA on Prime” during the “NBA Nightcap” show following Tuesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal game, marking the first of five appearances he will make this season. On the show, he will share updates on his rehab and discuss his outlook for the 2025-26 season.
“NBA Nightcap,” hosted by Taylor Rooks in its inaugural season, features insights from NBA greats like Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash, and Udonis Haslem as they break down the night’s games. Speaking to The Athletic, Haliburton praised the show’s bold coverage and its connection with everyday fans, highlighting the importance of balanced player discussions and positive spotlighting.
He commented, “It’s great to chat about the game without being overly critical and to highlight players in the right way. Our league faces a lot of harsh scrutiny where uninformed opinions from casual fans spread based on what they see on TV. Prime excels at bringing former players close to the action and celebrating our sport, which benefits everyone.”
Last season, Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, playing a crucial role in the Pacers’ surprising run to the NBA Finals—their first appearance since 2000—by defeating the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks. This season, however, the Pacers have struggled without him, presently sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 6-18 record. Their offensive production is down, ranking 29th in points per game and last in shooting percentage compared to top-10 finishes in these stats last year.
Pascal Siakam has emerged as the leading scorer, putting up 24.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while fourth-year guard Benedict Mathurin is enjoying a career-best year with averages of 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. The team has struggled to create assists without their top playmakers, with Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell taking on bigger roles, yet the team still ranks dead last in assists per game at 23.5—down from 29.2 last season.
Injuries have also plagued the Pacers, with Mathurin, Nembhard, and Obi Toppin all missing significant time early on. The Pacers are currently on a two-game winning streak and are preparing to face the Philadelphia 76ers this Friday.
Fan Take: Tyrese Haliburton stepping into a broadcasting role offers fans a fresh perspective from a current player, bridging the gap between the court and commentary. This move could set a new trend in how players contribute to the sport beyond the game, enriching the fan experience and deepening basketball’s cultural impact.
