Plus-Minus of -19! Haliburton's Season Slump: Was He Overhyped?

Indiana Pacers fans may be facing early concerns this season with their star guard Tyrese Haliburton, whose recent performances are falling significantly short of the standard he set in prior seasons. After a promising run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and a $260 million supermax contract extension, Haliburton's performance has taken an unexpected dip. His scoring, shooting accuracy, and overall impact on the court appear well below his previous levels, raising questions about whether the excitement surrounding him was overblown. With his team struggling at a 2-4 record, Haliburton’s recent games suggest he’s in a slump, and his on-court presence has not delivered the spark fans have been hoping for.

Haliburton’s Underwhelming Performance Against the Pelicans

The Pacers’ latest matchup, a 118-125 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, highlighted Haliburton's struggles. Over the course of 28 minutes, he managed just 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 11 assists, shooting a disappointing 2 of 8 from the field and 1 of 6 from beyond the arc. While he showed flashes of playmaking brilliance, his personal scoring was nearly nonexistent. More tellingly, Haliburton posted a plus-minus of -19, the worst on his team, indicating a clear disparity between his on-court impact and what the Pacers need from their franchise player.

An Alarming Scoring Drop

In previous seasons, Haliburton was celebrated as one of the league's most promising young guards, with a reliable shooting stroke and impressive playmaking ability. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 10.9 assists, and 47.7% shooting from the field. This season, however, Haliburton's scoring has dropped to just 14 points per game with shooting splits of 33.7% from the field and a shocking 24% from three. This decline in efficiency has left fans and analysts wondering if his offseason preparation was enough or if his skill development has stagnated under the increased scrutiny of opponents.

Haliburton’s Lowest Point: 0 Points Against the Knicks

Against the New York Knicks, a team the Pacers faced in last season’s playoffs, Haliburton posted what could arguably be his most disappointing performance to date. He played 26 minutes, going 0-for-8 from the field, including 0-for-7 from three, finishing with 0 points, 1 rebound, and 5 assists. Haliburton’s inability to get on the scoreboard was as alarming as his struggle to create effective offense for his teammates. With a plus-minus of -23, this performance was a stark contrast to the player who had impressed fans and earned All-Star and All-NBA honors last season.

A Stark Difference from Last Season’s Performance

Haliburton's stats this season tell a worrying story. Compared to last season, where he achieved a true shooting percentage of 60.5% and a three-point percentage of 36.4%, this season’s 44.7% true shooting and 24% from deep indicate a serious drop-off. The contrast is even more concerning considering his performances in last season’s playoffs, where he averaged 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, playing a key role in the Pacers’ push to the Eastern Conference Finals. His dip in shooting efficiency this season has also been accompanied by an apparent decline in his ability to generate quality scoring opportunities.

The Off-Court Controversy

Haliburton's slow start to the season has been shadowed by off-court controversies. In a recent video that circulated online, Haliburton was seen with friends, including his girlfriend, in a social gathering. In the video, he jokingly admitted to returning home at 4 a.m. from a night out. While harmless in isolation, the video has been referenced repeatedly by critics who wonder whether Haliburton’s offseason priorities were focused on his game. Given his high-profile status and recent contract, some fans have questioned whether his lifestyle might be impacting his performance on the court.

The Pressure of the $260 Million Supermax

With his recent contract extension, expectations for Haliburton are at an all-time high. Entering this season with a supermax deal, Haliburton is under the microscope not just from fans but also from opposing teams who have had an offseason to analyze his game. There’s speculation that teams have figured out ways to contain his playmaking, limiting the impact of his passes and isolating his weaker scoring spots. As the season progresses, the spotlight on Haliburton’s play will only intensify, and it remains to be seen if he can adjust to the heightened expectations that come with such a significant contract.

Is Siakam Taking Over as Pacers’ Main Star?

With Haliburton underperforming, Pacers fans may be looking to Pascal Siakam as a stabilizing presence on the team. Though not spectacular, Siakam’s recent games have shown that he’s able to maintain a balanced output with moderate consistency. Against the Pelicans, Siakam scored 16 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and contributed 6 assists with a plus-minus of +1. Though not the highest numbers, Siakam’s positive on-court impact contrasts with Haliburton’s recent performances, raising the question of whether he might be emerging as a leader while Haliburton finds his rhythm.

Early Advanced Metrics Are Concerning

Through the first six games, advanced metrics are underscoring Haliburton's struggles. When he’s on the court, the Pacers have a net rating of -7.6, with an offensive rating of only 107.1. When he’s off the court, however, the Pacers’ offensive rating climbs to 115, and their net rating improves to -2.9. Meanwhile, Siakam’s on-court net rating is +1.3, which drops to -18 when he’s off. Based on these early numbers, Siakam’s presence has been stabilizing for the Pacers, whereas Haliburton’s contributions have not yielded the impact expected of a supermax player.

What’s Going On with Haliburton’s Shooting?

One of the most troubling aspects of Haliburton’s early-season form is his shooting. Known as a sharpshooter with career averages of 39% from three-point range, Haliburton has made less than a quarter of his attempts this season. His shot selection may be influenced by the added pressure of his supermax contract or by a mental block arising from his disappointing start. Either way, his shooting slump is apparent, and regaining his confidence in his shot will be crucial to turning his season around.

Could Haliburton Bounce Back?

It’s important to remember that the season is young, and Haliburton’s history as an elite playmaker and shooter suggests that he has the skills to overcome this slump. He’s proven in past seasons that he can perform efficiently, handle intense defensive pressure, and minimize mistakes, evident in his impressive assist-to-turnover ratio. But with every subpar game, the scrutiny around him will only increase, especially as critics continue to question his offseason priorities.

The Pacers’ season could hinge on whether Haliburton can adapt to the increased defensive attention and overcome his shooting struggles. With an improved defensive focus from opponents and a much-anticipated supermax contract to justify, Haliburton faces a steep climb back to his previous form. At 24, he should still have the agility, adaptability, and mental strength to recover.