Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers has been given multiple nicknames over the years, including “Hali,” “The Moment,” and “HIMaburton.”
But one sticks out more than others, and it doesn’t sit right with Haliburton.
While appearing on the ‘Impaulsive’ podcast, the Pacers star opened up about the “Haliban” moniker that was given to him.
He said that it makes him uncomfortable, especially when playing in New York City, but he can’t do anything to stop it.
“It’s unfortunate. Obviously, it’s a terrible group of people. I can never publicly acknowledge it or respond. People will come in my Twitch chat and just spam that,” Haliburton said.
I can’t believe they actually asked Tyrese about the “Haliban” nickname 😭
(via @impaulsive) pic.twitter.com/0SJteKk1jQ
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 27, 2025
Haliburton said all of this with a smile, but it’s obvious that he’d really like this nickname to go away.
Its connotation is too much, particularly when the Pacers are playing in New York against the Knicks.
The name may be in bad taste, but the damage Haliburton does to the Knicks is undeniable.
He was constantly a pain to them last season, especially during the playoffs.
Everyone remembers his dagger shots that pushed the Pacers forward and the way he reveled in silencing the Knicks.
It seems like this nickname won’t be going away any time soon.
Sadly, it may be some time before Indiana fans are able to call him this because Haliburton will be off the court for months.
He is recovering from his Achilles injury, but no one expects him back on the court at the start of the new season.
The Knicks will get a reprieve from what Haliburton can do, but it won’t last forever.
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