Tyrese Haliburton has become one of the NBA's biggest stars, a free-wheeling upbeat point guard extraordinaire with a flair for the dramatic. It should come as no surprise that his game was modeled after one of the all-time great Lakers, Magic Johnson.
The Los Angeles Lakers would obviously rather have Haliburton playing in purple and gold than suiting up for another team, but knowing that the legacy of Magic Johnson lives on with another generation of stars is the next best thing.
Netflix just [dropped season 2 of its hit documentary _Starting 5_](https://www.netflix.com/title/81720808), and one of the players they followed last season was Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton. The decision at the time was based on Haliburton's rising star as one of the best young guards in the NBA; it would turn out to be a genius move as Haliburton led Indiana all the way to the NBA Finals.
In the documentary, we are brought to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where Tyrese grew up. His father, John Haliburton, brought the cameras inside of his home and showed off pictures and accolades covering the walls. And John proudly spoke of his favorite player growing up, Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
Even young Lakers fans know about Magic, in the running for the greatest point guard of all time. He and Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird not only ruled the 1980s, winning eight of the 10 titles, but they rescued NBA basketball in the process and set the stage for Michael Jordan becoming the most well-known athlete of the 1990s.
Magic could absolutely score the basketball, but his favorite way to impact the game was with the pass. He would push the pace, defining the speed of the Showtime Lakers, and then hit teammates with pinpoint passes in the perfect position to score. And then he would flash that trademark smile from ear to ear.
Tyrese Haliburton modeled his game after Magic Johnson
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Tyrese speaks in the documentary about watching tapes of Magic Johnson growing up -- learning his passing, his flash and style. What does Tyrese say was the most important thing he saw from Magic? That smile. "His love for the game...I wanted that to be a part of my game."
When Haliburton was drafted -- not first overall like Magic Johnson, but 12th overall, an untapped gem whose potential was yet to be discovered -- Magic posted on social media to congratulate him, shouted out his dad for being such a big fan, and dubbed Tyrese "Little Magic."
Last season he had multiple game-winning shots and he led the Pacers all the way to the NBA Finals. The Pacers don't have a stranglehold on talent, and while Pascal Siakam is a great player he is no Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Even so, Haliburton and the Pacers have a bright future because of his talent level and the culture he sets being a leader on a team.
Tyrese has a long way to go to be talked about in the pantheon of NBA legends like Magic Johnson, but he is a worthy successor to his stylistic throne. He led the league in assists two seasons ago and is an electric pass-first player who injects pace and style into his team. He exudes joy on the court, but can also be a stone-cold killer. And he elevates his game when the playoffs roll around.
Little Magic, indeed.