The Chicago Bulls should have listened to Tyrees Halliburton’s demands in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Tyrees Halliburton and the Indiana Pacers are running Cinderella in the 2025 NBA playoffs as they led the New York Knicks 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Halliburton was key to the Pacers’ success this postseason. The Pacers star feels like he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder after being labeled the league’s most overrated player.
However, this is not the first time he has in his underrated career at Halliburton. The Chicago Bulls know his worth better than any other team except the Sacramento Kings.
The 2020 NBA Draft was headlined by Anthony Edwards, who the Minnesota Timberwolves chose as the No. 1 overall pick.
The second choice in the 2020 class has so far failed to impact NBA careers. However, the 12th overall pick, the Pacers (drafted by the Kings), have surpassed all expectations in just five seasons.
Today, Hari is on the verge of making Pacer appear in his first NBA Finals since 2000. However, Halliburton never became an Indy hero. Instead, he was keen to play for the bull, but his demands were deaf.
“I’ve got two security guards who can score at a high level at Coby (white) and Zack (Lavine),” Halliburton said in 2020.
He added: “I can come right away and be someone who can put a burden and promote them. Whatever you need in Chicago or any organization, I’m ready.”
The Bulls had the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. But instead of trusting Halliburton, the organization chose Patrick Williams at the age of four.
Fast forward to 2025, Halliburton scored shots in play in the NBA Finals, with Williams averaging 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in his career.
Returning to the ECF series between the Pacers and Knicks, Indy quickly bouncing against New York after losing Game 3.
According to data provided by Sofa Scole, Halliburton led the Pacers’ fees with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists.
In addition to a 32-point triple double, Halliburton notched four steels and committed 0 turnovers to bring the Knicks to a 130-121 victory.
After the victory, the Pacers kept their incredible Game 4 record in the 2025 postseason. It’s no surprise that Halliburton and the Company conclude the series with Game 5 and score a berth in the NBA Finals.