Tyrese Haliburton was never supposed to be the face of a franchise this fast.
A late lottery pick of the Sacramento Kings in 2020, the mantle wasn’t quite up for taking with De’Aaron Fox firmly entrenched as the star around which all things revolved. However, Haliburton quickly established himself as someone who furthered the Kings’ seemingly never-ending rebuild. Someone who could help get them back to the postseason for the first time in more than a decade.
Then they traded him.
In the months since last season’s blockbuster deal sent Haliburton to Indiana for All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, the third-year guard hasn’t been shy about discussing the surprise of being traded by a team he was so committed to. Now, distanced from the fog of that shock, he sees the opportunity that lies ahead of him. With the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton has a chance to lead his own team.
The third-year guard sat down with For The Win to talk about his expanded role on the court and also a new one off of it as an investor and brand ambassador for Cheribundi’s natural performance wellness products.
(This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.)