Unpacking the Relationship Between Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton
So, how much tension is there, really, between Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton? It’s an interesting question, especially now that Turner has signed a hefty four-year, $107 million contract with the Bucks this offseason. Recently, he shared some thoughts about his former teammate, the Pacers’ star point guard, which were mostly positive—except for one remark that caught fire online.
When prompted to share “three good things” about Haliburton, Turner started off strong. “First and foremost, you have to respect the way he has handled himself in his career,” he expressed. Reflecting on Haliburton’s journey from Sacramento to Indiana, Turner noted, “Coming to Indiana and almost reinventing yourself… His professionalism and how he carries himself, you can’t disrespect that. That’s how he’s built himself.”
After making those commendations, Turner also described Haliburton as “a hell of a teammate” and highlighted that he’s really close to his family, which, I think, adds a personal touch to their relationship. However, there was an interesting twist when co-host Tony Cartagena pointed out that Haliburton might be the kind of player you enjoy playing alongside but perhaps don’t like facing as a rival.
In response, Turner remarked, “Tyrese knows he’s protected, too. So he can go out and speak his mind and say whatever he wants. He knows he has backup at the end of the day.” This line raised some eyebrows; it implies there’s a bit of a double standard in how players present themselves on and off the court. He suggested that if Haliburton were in a tight situation, he might not be as vocal. That comment, well, it went viral and stirred up quite a discussion on social media.
Haliburton, known for his flair—remember the theatrical on-court chalk sign during last season’s Eastern Conference Finals?—responded, addressing the controversy directly. He tweeted about the fabricated narratives and emphasized that, despite the rivalry, there’s love between them. It’s kind of sweet, really, but also a tad complicated.
The background to all this is significant: both players helped the Pacers make it to the NBA Finals last season, which they lost in a grueling seven-game series against the Thunder. However, Haliburton’s Achilles injury during Game 7 means he’s set to miss the entire upcoming season. Meanwhile, Turner has found a new path in Milwaukee, averaging 10 points and seven rebounds per game so far.
In many ways, this situation shows just how intricate relationships can be in the world of sports—full of admiration, rivalry, and, at times, misunderstanding.
