Shaq Tells Mike Epps It Doesn’t Matter If Tyrese Haliburton Is Good, “He Got The Bag”
Tyrese Haliburton, the talented young point guard, has made waves in the NBA since joining the league. His skills, basketball IQ, and maturity on and off the court have impressed both fans and experts alike. Recently, Haliburton secured a significant financial deal with the Indiana Pacers, solidifying his future in the league. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has weighed in on Haliburton’s contract, applauding the young player’s hard work and recognizing his potential to become a star in the NBA.
Haliburton’s Rise to Prominence: Tyrese Haliburton burst onto the NBA scene during the 2020-2021 season after being drafted 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings. The 6’5″ point guard quickly proved his worth, showcasing his exceptional passing ability, poise under pressure, and high basketball IQ. Haliburton’s versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the court made him a favorite among fans and a valuable asset to the Kings.
Shaq’s Perspective: Shaq, a four-time NBA champion and one of the most dominant centers in league history, has been following Haliburton’s progress closely. Known for his outspoken nature, Shaq recently shared his thoughts on Haliburton’s contract with the Indiana Pacers, expressing his admiration for the young player’s skill set and work ethic.
On Instagram Live, Shaq stated, “That long fella from the Pacers getting all that money. Boy got paid didn’t he?
Epps replied “is he good? Do you think he’s good?
Shaq finished, “It doesn’t matter if he’s good; he got the bag.”
Shaq highlighted Haliburton’s passing ability, court vision, and knack for making the right decisions on the floor. He praised the point guard’s ability to make his teammates better and emphasized the impact Haliburton can have on a team’s success.
The Indiana Pacers Deal: The Indiana Pacers, recognizing Haliburton’s immense potential, made a bold move to secure the rising star. The specifics of the contract have not been disclosed, but reports suggest that it is a substantial long-term deal. This move not only solidifies Haliburton’s financial future but also demonstrates the Pacers’ belief in his abilities.
The Pacers organization, led by President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard, has shown a commitment to building a strong foundation for their team. By acquiring Haliburton, they have secured a talented playmaker who can contribute immediately and potentially develop into a franchise cornerstone.
Conclusion: Tyrese Haliburton’s ascent in the NBA has been remarkable, with his skill, maturity, and basketball IQ catching the attention of fans, experts, and even legends of the game like Shaquille O’Neal. With his lucrative contract from the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton has taken a significant step forward in his career, and the pressure will be on him to continue delivering exceptional performances.
As Haliburton continues to develop and grow, he has the potential to become one of the premier point guards in the league. With the support and recognition from NBA legends like Shaq, Haliburton can draw inspiration and guidance to further hone his craft and make a lasting impact in the NBA for years to come.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
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