The Magic Has Faded: What’s Behind Tyrese Haliburton’s Sudden Decline at 24?

Tyrese Haliburton was once heralded as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. The 24-year-old point guard for the Indiana Pacers dazzled fans and analysts alike last season with his incredible playmaking, efficient scoring, and leadership on the court. However, this season has told a different story—one of unexpected struggles, underwhelming performances, and growing questions about his future trajectory. What happened to the player who was once compared to Magic Johnson and Chris Paul?

The Disappointing Numbers This Season

The Pacers’ recent 109-113 loss to the Charlotte Hornets highlighted Haliburton’s ongoing struggles. In 37 minutes, he managed just 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists on 4-for-10 shooting. Haliburton failed to score in the first half, and in a critical fourth quarter, he contributed only 3 points and committed a costly turnover in the game’s closing moments.

This wasn’t an isolated performance. Haliburton’s 2023-24 campaign has been marred by several similar outings:

• Against the Knicks early in the season, he played 26 minutes without scoring, finishing with 0 points, 1 rebound, and 5 assists.
• In November, facing the Hornets again, Haliburton managed only 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists while LaMelo Ball dominated with 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
• Later that month, he put up a dismal 4 points on 1-for-7 shooting against the Rockets.
• A week ago, in a loss to the Grizzlies, Haliburton recorded just 8 points and 7 assists while shooting 3-for-10 from the field.

For a player who last season rarely failed to score in double figures—just four such games across 69 appearances—this year’s six single-digit scoring games in only 25 outings are alarming.

Comparing This Season to Last

The drop-off in Haliburton’s performance becomes even starker when comparing his numbers from this season to last:

• 2022-23 Regular Season: 20.1 PPG, 10.9 APG, 47.7% FG, 36.4% 3PT, 60.5% TS
• 2023-24 (so far): 17.5 PPG, 8.4 APG, 42.0% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 55.8% TS

Even more jarring is the contrast with his explosive start last season, especially during and after the In-Season Tournament, where he averaged 26.9 points, 12.1 assists, and shot 52.5% from the field and 44.1% from three.

What’s Behind the Decline?

Injuries and Recovery

One clear factor in Haliburton’s decline is the lingering impact of injuries. Last season, a hamstring injury sidelined him for 10 games, and his decision to return while not fully healed may have had lingering effects. Though he pushed to secure an All-NBA spot and the associated supermax contract, the physical toll of playing through injury seems to have carried over into this season.

Adjustments by Opponents

Haliburton’s early-season dominance last year placed him firmly on opposing teams’ radars. As a result, defenses have become more tailored to stop him. With his slender frame and limited ability to withstand physicality, Haliburton struggles to break through aggressive defensive schemes. Without the ability to overpower defenders, he’s been forced to rely heavily on his three-point shot—a once-reliable weapon that has now betrayed him.

Three-Point Woes

Haliburton’s three-point shooting has historically been a strength. Over his first three seasons, he shot above 40% from deep each year. This season, however, his percentage has dropped to 33.6%, and his accuracy on wide-open threes (defender 6+ feet away) has fallen significantly. For example:

• 2022-23 (Pre-Injury): 75/28 on wide-open threes.
• 2023-24 (To Date): 120/47 on wide-open threes.

Haliburton’s inability to consistently knock down open looks has been a major factor in his scoring struggles.

Impact on the Pacers

Last season, Haliburton’s on-court presence was transformative for the Pacers. When he played, Indiana outscored opponents by 6.2 points per 100 possessions; without him, they were outscored by 0.8 points—a net swing of +7.0. This season, that figure has dropped to just +0.8, with his backup, T.J. McConnell, often providing similar or better impact.

The team’s struggles reflect Haliburton’s individual decline. Despite making the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Pacers are just 10-15 this year, sitting ninth in the conference. What once seemed like a team on the rise now looks like a squad that may have peaked prematurely.

The Bigger Picture

Haliburton’s decline is particularly concerning given his status as the centerpiece of the Pacers’ future. Fresh off a Third-Team All-NBA selection, he’s in the first year of a five-year, $245 million supermax contract. If his performance doesn’t improve, Indiana could find itself burdened with an albatross deal for a player unable to meet expectations.

For now, the Pacers and their fans are left to wonder: was last season’s breakout a sign of Haliburton’s true potential, or was it merely a flash in the pan? At just 24 years old, there’s still time for him to turn things around, but the clock is ticking for both him and the franchise.