Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton are the future of the Indiana Pacers. However, without the 18-year, Hall-of-Fame career of a trash-talking sharpshooter, the Pacers wouldn't have household recognition. Haliburton embraced a franchise legend before the Pacers locked horns with the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Reggie Miller eliminated the New York Knicks during the proud days of Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Allan Houston, and Larry Johnson. The era lasted so long that even Jalen Brunson's father, Rick, played for the Knicks while Miller wrecked the New York franchise in the playoffs.
Although Haliburton led the Pacers to a Game 7 blowout of the Knicks in the 2024 NBA playoffs, he could learn a few things from Miller.
TNT heads into the final stretch of the 2024-25 season, finishing its long-tenured run as an NBA media partner. Miller is the legendary network's top color commentator. TNT fittingly assigned Miller to work the Pacers vs. Bucks contest on Tuesday.
Miller and Haliburton embraced before the Pacers and Bucks tipped off, creating a beautiful moment in which the Pacers' past meets the franchise's future.
Related: Key Trend Highlights How Pacers Have Prepared for NBA Playoffs
Miller proudly represented the Pacers as the instigating, fearless, envelope-pushing star. The UCLA legend played his part to the point that ESPN created a 30 for 30 in his honor. Although Haliburton doesn't have the charisma of Miller, the young Pacers star blazes defense with an unconventional jump shot and has an affinity for Indiana.
Haliburton has a chance to lead the Pacers to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, which Miller went to six.
Although Haliburton has a bright future, soaking up knowledge from Miller would only further his chances of succeeding in the NBA, especially against the Knicks.
Related: Proposed NBA Trade Cements Pacers' Chance as Title Contenders Next Season
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This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 7:32 PM.
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