By JAKE FENNER
Published: 07:35 EDT, 24 May 2025 | Updated: 07:36 EDT, 24 May 2025
Tyrese Haliburton has been performing phenomenally for the Indiana Pacers as they look set for a collision course with the NBA Finals in a few days time.
The only downside is that Haliburton's father hasn't been there to watch his son shine.
Earlier these playoffs, John Haliburton got into an on-court confrontation with the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo after a victory.
That scuffle resulted in a ban from the league for the elder Haliburton's actions.
But now, John Haliburton has a prominent voice advocating for his return to the stands: Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley.
While interviewing Tyrese on 'Inside the NBA' after the Pacers' Game 2 win over the New York Knicks, Barkley quickly cut at the beginning of the discussion, saying 'Free your dad! Free your dad!'
Charles Barkley reiterated his request for the ban on Tyrese Haliburton's father to be lifted
John Haliburton (center, back facing camera) was banned from entering NBA arenas after his confrontation on the court with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (center, facing)
As such, John hasn't been to any games since while his son, Tyrese, has been on fire
Tyrese, who put up a double-double in Friday night's win, responded, 'Free Pops! Free Pops 'til it's backwards, man. Free Pops!'
That follows on from similar sentiments Barkley expressed after Game 1 - when Haliburton hit a clutch shot at the end of regulation, eventually leading to an overtime win.
Barkley called out NBA commissioner Adam Silver to overturn John's ban.
'It's time to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building,' Barkley said on Wednesday night.
'Adam, I'm asking you. Hey, my man paid his dues. He did something really, really stupid, but he's been punished.
'And I'm asking you and the Indiana Pacers to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building for Games 3 and 4.
'I mean, listen, he paid his dues. It shouldn't be indefinite. He's been punished enough. He would never do anything that stupid again.
'So Adam, you know how much I love you. And my man [Pacers president of basketball operations] Kevin Pritchard, y'all let Mr. Haliburton back in the building for Game 3.'
Game 3 will be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with the Pacers looking to take an indomitable 3-0 series lead.
New York Knicks