In a recent interview, NBA legend and Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade made waves with a bold statement about Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, shedding light on the young guard’s impact on the league. With the Los Angeles Lakers preparing to face the Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals, Wade’s comments have sparked intrigue among fans, especially those rooting for the purple and gold.
Wade, speaking on his podcast The Why with Dwyane Wade, praised Haliburton’s unique skill set, calling him “a generational playmaker who’s changing how the point guard position is viewed.” He highlighted Haliburton’s ability to control the game’s tempo, noting, “This kid sees the floor like Magic Johnson did for the Lakers back in the day. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a conductor, making everyone around him better.” Wade’s comparison to Lakers legend Magic Johnson is particularly striking, as it underscores Haliburton’s elite court vision and leadership, qualities that have propelled the Pacers to their first NBA Finals since 2000.
✅ debuts new signature shoe
✅ debuts in the Finals
✅ hits the game-winnerWhat a night for Tyrese Haliburton!pic.twitter.com/4ClUeMOhrf https://t.co/qoxlnFBjU9
— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2025
Haliburton, in his fifth NBA season and fourth with the Pacers, has emerged as a superstar, averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 47.3% from the field and 38.8% from three during the 2024-25 regular season. His postseason performance has been even more remarkable, with 150+ assists and fewer than 50 turnovers, placing him in elite company alongside Magic Johnson. Wade emphasized this stat, saying, “That kind of efficiency in the playoffs? That’s Lakers-level greatness. LeBron [James] and the Lakers better be ready for him.”
Wade’s comments come at a pivotal time, as the Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, gear up to face the Pacers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. LeBron himself recently praised Haliburton, calling him “one of the top 10 players in the league right now” and acknowledging the challenge of defending his playmaking. Wade doubled down, exposing what he believes is an underappreciated truth: “Haliburton’s not getting the respect he deserves. People talk about other young stars, but this guy is the engine of a Finals team. He’s out there outsmarting veterans.”
“Haliburton is a f***** superstar. I’m going to get a jersey. I need it signed.” @DwyaneWade reflects on the Pacers 4th Quarter comeback and Haliburton’s game winner in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2fHiltyk5c
— Wy Network by Dwyane Wade (@wynetwork) June 6, 2025
For Lakers fans, Wade’s remarks serve as both a warning and a call to action. Haliburton’s ability to dictate the pace and create open looks for teammates like Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner could pose a significant threat to Los Angeles’ championship aspirations. Wade pointed out, “The Lakers have LeBron and AD, but if they don’t lock in on Haliburton, he’ll pick them apart. He’s got that old-school Lakers Showtime vibe with a modern twist.”
Wade’s praise also carries weight due to his own storied career. A three-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, Wade knows what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage. His endorsement of Haliburton as a “face of the NBA,” echoing recent comments by former Pacers star Paul George, adds to the growing narrative that the 25-year-old is a cornerstone of the league’s future. George, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, previously said on his Podcast P, “In my eyes, he’s a superstar. He’s the number one option.” Wade’s agreement amplifies this sentiment, putting pressure on the Lakers to devise a defensive game plan to contain Haliburton.
🏀 Indiana’s Game 1 victory over Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals on ABC peaked with 11 million viewers at the end of the 4th quarter when Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot.
🏀 Game 1 averaged nearly 3 times more viewers than the next most-watched program on any other…
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 7, 2025
As the Finals approach, the Lakers are favored, but Wade’s “exposure” of Haliburton’s brilliance suggests the series will be no cakewalk. “LeBron and Darvin Ham have to figure out how to slow him down,” Wade said. “If they don’t, Haliburton might just steal the show.” With the basketball world watching, all eyes will be on whether the Lakers can neutralize the Pacers’ young maestro or if Haliburton will live up to Wade’s lofty praise.