By Tony East
Indiana Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton has not yet played in the preseason for the blue and gold, but that could change next week.
The Pacers star guard missed his team’s first two preseason games in Memphis and Houston. After a stint with Team USA this offseason that went into September, Indiana is being cautious of Haliburton’s workload heading into the season.
Head coach Rick Carlisle explained on Thursday that Haliburton’s absence in the first two preseason games was planned as the team takes a day-to-day approach while ensuring the health of their players.
Carlisle then said he is hopeful that Haliburton will be able to play in the team’s upcoming preseason games. The 23-year old took things one step further on Friday when asked directly if the plan is for him to play.
“I’ll be playing,” Haliburton said. Indiana hosts Atlanta (10/16) and Cleveland (10/20) next week. “I’ll be out there.”
Without the star guard, the Pacers went 0-2 to open preseason play. There have been bright spots, such as the play of Ben Sheppard and Aaron Nesmith, but in general the team has needed more. Haliburton can help supply that.
“We’re getting used to a new defensive system. Offensively, there’s a little bit of repetitiveness to our randomness. That takes time,” Haliburton said when asked to assess his team’s play through two preseason outings. He’s been impressed by a few players and the team’s ability to limit three-point attempts from their opponents, but acknowledged that more work needs to be done.
The All-Star guard averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game for the Pacers last season. He emerged as one of the best guards in the league, and Indiana was a .500 club in his 56 appearances. They won just seven times without him.
His presence alone is enough to improve the team, so his return next week will bring some bite and speed to the Pacers. They have an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday before taking on the Hawks on Monday.
This article first appeared on FanNation All Pacers