The respect for Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry stretches well beyond the Bay. Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton recently joined The Old Man and the Three podcast and shared just how much of an impact Curry made on him during last summer’s Olympics in Paris.
Haliburton didn’t hold back. His praise wasn’t only about Curry’s game, but about the person behind the four titles, two MVPs, and endless highlights.
“Steph is the greatest human being I’ve met in basketball,” Haliburton said. “I’ve never met a better person.” via The Old Man and the Three.
– Tyrese Haliburton
(🎥 @OldManAndThree )
Warriors’ Steph Curry Earns Haliburton’s Admiration
Haliburton went further, explaining that Curry’s reputation as a teammate and leader holds true in every setting. “The thing about it is I’ve never heard anybody say anything bad about Steph as a human being. He is so unbelievable, the way he can remember people — he cares about people. I just can’t say enough good things about Steph,” Haliburton said.
The comments echo what countless Warriors teammates and opponents have said for years. Curry’s ability to connect with people — whether rookies, veterans, or fans — has become part of his legacy. For Haliburton, experiencing that firsthand on the Olympic stage was eye-opening.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Warriors Star
Haliburton also shared what it was like to observe Curry’s work ethic up close. Known for his legendary warmups and intense practice routines, Curry made sure Haliburton was included.
“I didn’t get to play a ton, so a lot of it was for me to learn and pick guys’ brains. Steph was just that guy for me,” Haliburton said. “After every practice, I’m like, ‘I got to work out with Steph. I got to do what he’s doing.’ He would call me over like, ‘C’mon Ty, we’re going to work out.’”
Those sessions gave Haliburton more than just drills to replicate. They gave him a template for how a Warriors great prepares daily, no matter how many accolades are already on the résumé.
KD x Curry x Hali x LeBron 🔥
How the Experience Impacted Haliburton
The Olympic summer became a turning point for Haliburton. While Curry helped guide Team USA to gold in France, Haliburton was soaking up every moment. That confidence carried into the NBA season, where the Pacers surged all the way to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years.
Haliburton’s playoff run cemented his rise. He hit numerous clutch shots and game-winners, delivering in iconic moments that pushed Indiana deeper than anyone expected.
AND HE DID THE CHOKE SIGN TO THE KNICKS!!!
Passing the Torch
For Curry and the Warriors, the Olympics were another reminder of his global impact. For Haliburton, it felt like a glimpse into the future. Watching Curry lead while still treating everyone around him with humility gave Haliburton a model to carry forward with Team USA — and with the Pacers.
It may not have been an official passing of the torch, but it had the feel of one. Curry is still chasing another title with Golden State. Haliburton, meanwhile, is emerging as the kind of guard who could define the next generation.
The compliment Haliburton gave wasn’t just about character. It was about what Curry represents in basketball: greatness that inspires greatness.
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