There are moments in sports media that make you stop, rewind, and ask yourself, wait! Did he just say that? In the latest episode of Dwight Howard’s podcast, ‘Above The Rim with DH 12’, one of those moments occurred. A conversation that started with the NBA playoffs took a sharp, unexpected turn when his co-host sparked something deeper and more emotional.
While breaking down this year’s intense postseason matchups, one of Dwight Howard’s co-hosts paused the playoff talk with, “We gotta talk about this…” The tone shifted. “Bleacher Report put out a poll,” the host continued, “every player in the NBA voted on who’s the most overrated player in the league.” One could almost feel Dwight Howard’s eyebrows raise. “I saw that post,” he replied, calmly, but curiously.
The host didn’t hesitate: “So shout out to my guy Tyrese Haliburton…” And before he could even finish, Dwight cut in, “They say he the most overrated player?” The confirmation came quickly, and with this, the temperature in the room seemed to rise. That’s when Dwight let it out, calling out the poll and the platform behind it without dropping names but with all the weight his voice carries.
“I think they should not have done that. They should take that whole thing out,” he said, clearly fed up. “Because first of all, we are a brotherhood.” And Dwight Howard wasn’t done. With honesty, he added, “It’s only 4,800 guys who’ve ever laced these bad boys up in the NBA… and that(pole) is further setting us away from each other. He ain’t overrated at all. Ain’t nobody in the L(low) is overrated.”
He wasn’t just defending Tyrese Haliburton; he was making a broader point about how damaging it is when the media fuels division among players. He ended with a line that stuck: “Leave it on the court. But don’t call this man overrated, this man is a killer.”So, how did Haliburton end up in the crosshairs of this drama? Let’s talk facts.
Tyrese Haliburton has been nothing short of vital for the Indiana Pacers this season. He’s been their floor general, their spark plug, and at times, the heart that keeps the whole machine pumping. Even while battling through minor injuries, he’s averaged impressive numbers—20+ points, double-digit assists, and has led the Pacers to a surprise playoff appearance when many counted them out.
Tyrese Haliburton: Dwight Howard’s perspective
Tyrese Haliburton isn’t just filling up the stat sheet, he’s changing the culture in Indiana. Tyrese Haliburton brings a rare mix of composure and fire to the roster. He always stays cool under pressure and is never afraid to take the big shot. And let’s be real, this Indiana team runs through him. When Haliburton is off the court, fans can feel his absence. And when he’s on the court? The team is on an offensive steroid. Tyrese Haliburton can read defenses like a pro and makes his teammates better, helping the team.
Sep 30, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) poses for a photo during 2024 Media day. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Despite the “overrated” tag thrown at him, Haliburton is doing what real pros do. He’s letting his game talk. The Pacers have been competitive in every playoff game against the Bucks so far. Tyrese Haliburton is out there leading the charge this time. He may not have the flashiest style or headline-grabbing play, but he’s efficient, smart, and deadly when the team needs him to be. That’s not overrated, that’s underrated greatness, if anything!
And here’s the twist: this controversy might just fuel him. Dwight Howard was right, it’s a brotherhood, and the ones who’ve laced them up know what it takes. Haliburton’s going to use this as motivation in the playoffs. The timing is so perfect. Watch out for a second-half revamp in Game 3 against the Bucks side.
Dwight Howard wants people to take a closer look at what Tyrese Haliburton is before buying into the narrative. Because if they’re calling that overrated? People might not be watching closely enough.
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