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The Chicago Bulls 2024-25 entered the NBA season with a sense of cautious optimism. After trading away DeMar DeRozan in the offseason, many fans thought it was finally time for a real rebuild. For years, the team had been caught between trying to win now and knowing they weren’t quite good enough. Letting go of one of their veteran stars felt like a step toward something new.

Then came the midseason trade of Zach LaVine — another sign that management was ready to pivot. This wasn’t just window-dressing anymore. It was clear: the Bulls were shifting focus to the future.

Promising Signs From the Young Core

Despite the growing pains, there were moments this season that gave Bulls fans reason to believe.

Josh Giddey, acquired from Oklahoma City, stood out as a bright spot. His basketball IQ and ability to control the tempo showed up early. While his shooting still needs work, his vision and court awareness made him a joy to watch on nights when things clicked.

Coby White also took a major leap forward. Known for flashes of brilliance in past seasons, White finally put it all together — showing better decision-making, improved efficiency, and leadership on the floor.

And then there’s Matas Buzelis, the hometown kid who turned heads all year. With his smooth shooting stroke, elite length, and confidence beyond his years, Buzelis became a fan favorite and a symbol of what the future could hold.

Another Season Lost in the Middle

But despite those promising developments, the Bulls ended up exactly where they’ve been too often: stuck in the middle.

They finished the season as the 10th seed in the East — just outside the play-in tournament. No tanking. No playoff run. Just… mediocrity.

Too many games slipped through their fingers — contests they should have won but didn’t. They lacked consistency and never found a rhythm strong enough to carry them into contention.

The Draft Miss That Feels Like a Curse

Adding salt to the wound was the draft lottery. The Bulls narrowly missed out on the top pick and the chance to draft Cooper Flagg — the kind of generational talent that can change a franchise overnight.

Dallas won the tiebreaker coin flip, giving them an extra 0.1% shot at the first pick. In the end, it cost Chicago the opportunity to land arguably the best prospect in the class.

It was a painful reminder of how hard it is to succeed when you’re not fully committed to either winning or rebuilding.

Is There Hope for 2026?

cere’s the good news: the foundation is starting to take shape.

Giddey and White are showing real growth. Buzelis gives the team a homegrown star to build around. There’s potential here — real potential.

Now, the front office has a choice to make. Do they continue chasing short-term fixes that might only keep them hovering in the middle? Or do they fully commit to developing their young core and building a team that can compete in the long term?

Bulls fans are tired of being stuck. They want to see progress. And while this season didn’t deliver the breakthrough many hoped for, the pieces are finally coming together.

If the team stays patient and makes the right decisions moving forward, there’s still hope for 2026.

As the NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on which teams will make bold moves in the first round. While the Chicago Bulls have been relatively quiet over the past few seasons, they might be ready to break their silence this year.

With a fresh youth movement underway and several key contracts expiring after the 2025–26 season, the Bulls have an opportunity to reshape their future through strategic draft-night trades.

Here are three teams that could be calling Arturas Karnisovas’ phone on June 25th.

Oklahoma City Thunder: A Young Roster Looking for One More Piece

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the youngest and deepest teams in the league — so much so that adding more rookies might not make sense right now.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line , the Thunder are among the teams looking to move up in the 2025 NBA Draft. Their current picks at Nos. 15 and 24 could be used to trade up into the lottery, possibly targeting the Bulls at No. 12.

A deal involving OKC’s two late-lottery picks (No. 15 + No. 24) for Chicago’s No. 12 would give both sides something valuable: The Bulls add depth, while the Thunder gain flexibility without sacrificing too much.

For the Bulls, moving down just a few spots could still land them a high-value prospect while picking up an extra first-rounder. That’s a win-win unless they’re locked in on a specific player at No. 12.

Brooklyn Nets: Rebuilding with Picks and Possibilities

The Brooklyn Nets enter the 2025 Draft with four first-round selections, including the No. 19 pick. As a team in full rebuild mode, they’re reportedly eager to climb into the Top 10.

One reported idea is offering Cameron Johnson along with the No. 19 pick to move up. But since the Bulls aren’t in the top 10 themselves, they wouldn’t be a direct target — unless things shift as the draft approaches.

Still, if the Nets start to believe their desired player is available later than expected, the Bulls could become a trade partner. Johnson fits the modern NBA wing role perfectly — a 6’8″ shooter with playmaking ability — and could slide right into Chicago’s young core alongside Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.

If the Nets are open to taking back a contract, Patrick Williams ($18M AAV) might be part of the conversation. It’s unlikely the Bulls rush to move him, but it’s worth exploring if the return makes sense.

Orlando Magic: Anothe3.r Shot at a Win-now Move?

The Orlando Magic are in a similar position to the Thunder — loaded with young talent and trying to stay competitive. They hold the No. 16 and No. 25 picks, both of which could be used to move up or add depth.

While trading down from No. 12 might seem less appealing than staying put, grabbing an extra pick like No. 25 could help the Bulls stockpile assets for future drafts.

Orlando could also be interested in Coby White, who’s set to hit free agency in 2026. Offering both of their first-rounders for White would give the Bulls short-term flexibility and long-term value — especially if they don’t see White as a long-term fit.

But again, any decision should wait until draft night. Sometimes, the best move is simply drafting the best player available.

Bulls Have Options — But Will They Act?

The Chicago Bulls haven’t made many big moves in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they won’t change course tonight.

With a growing young core and multiple avenues to improve via trade, the Bulls have every reason to explore deals on draft night. Whether it’s swapping picks with the Thunder, adding a proven role player from the Nets, or flipping Coby White for future assets with the Magic, there’s no shortage of possibilities.

If you’re a Chicago sports fan and a CHSN on Comcast 2025 subscriber, there’s some good news — and some not-so-good news. The Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), which has been missing from most Comcast lineups since its launch last fall, is finally available starting this week.

But here’s the catch: it’s only accessible if you upgrade your plan.

A Long Wait Ends — With a Price Tag

For months, local fans have been stuck in the dark, unable to watch their favorite Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox games because of a carriage dispute between CHSN and Comcast.

That wait ends now — but at a cost.

Starting Friday, CHSN will appear on Channel 200 for Comcast customers who are subscribed to the Ultimate tier , which runs an extra $20 per month on top of regular fees.

This deal marks a major milestone for CHSN, which launched in October without Comcast — the area’s largest pay-TV provider — on board. Until now, viewers had to rely on streaming services like FuboTV or over-the-air broadcasts to catch games.

Why Is It More Expensive?

Comcast has been pushing regional sports networks like CHSN and Marquee Sports Network onto higher-priced plans across the country. In Chicago, that means fans who want to see the Bulls, Hawks, or Sox will need to shell out more each month.

The Ultimate tier already includes premium channels and expanded cloud storage for Xfinity users, but for many sports fans, the added fee feels like a direct hit to their wallets.

Still, for die-hard supporters, it might be worth it — especially with over 300 live games scheduled each year.

What About Fans on Basic Plans?

If you’re on the basic cable plan, you won’t be able to access CHSN without upgrading. On Channel 200, a message clearly states that the network requires a subscription change.

Comcast has been giving a monthly $8.85 credit to help offset the Regional Sports Fee (RSF) during negotiations, but that credit will remain permanent for basic-tier subscribers — reducing their RSF to $11.40/month.

Marquee Sports Network, home of the Cubs, remains on the basic plan — at least for now — giving some fans a reason to hold off on upgrading.

Over-the-Air Broadcasts Gone

As part of the new agreement, CHSN is ending its free over-the-air broadcasts in Chicago and surrounding areas. That includes cities like Rockford, Peoria, Fort Wayne, and South Bend.

This was reportedly a sticking point in negotiations — Comcast didn’t want to pay for content that others could get for free.

Now, CHSN is focusing on paid distribution through providers like Comcast, DirecTV, and streaming platforms such as FuboTV and its own app.

The Road to This Deal

This wasn’t an easy road. The channel launched with high hopes and big promises, but without a deal with Comcast, it missed most of the NBA and NHL seasons and a large chunk of the White Sox’s MLB slate.

Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the White Sox and Bulls, even made a trip to Washington, D.C., earlier this year to meet with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, hoping for regulatory support. But in the end, the deal seems to reflect Comcast’s terms — moving CHSN to a premium tier.

What Comes Next?

While the deal brings CHSN to over a million households, the real test will be how many subscribers actually upgrade to watch.

With the White Sox struggling on the field and both the Bulls and Blackhawks missing the playoffs this season, the timing isn’t ideal. But for loyal fans, having access to every game — plus behind-the-scenes coverage and local sports programming — may be worth the price.

Time will tell whether this deal strengthens CHSN’s position in the market or turns off budget-conscious fans.

It’s been a minute since I’ve opened up about anything personal — mostly because, let’s be real, Coby White Trade you didn’t click on this link for that kind of content. But another reason? Life has just been wild . And honestly, I’ve found myself clinging to Chicago Bulls offseason chatter like it’s a life raft.

Yeah, I know… must be something wrong with me.

Anyway, the good kind of busy-ness has taken over my life lately. My wife and I have been prepping for a pretty big move — back to Chicago, no less. For the past few years, we’ve been living in Milwaukee (I know, scandalous). We made the move north when she landed a solid job up there. Then, when an even better opportunity came knocking back down I-94, well… we packed our bags again.

In 48 hours, I’ll officially be within walking distance of the House That Jordan Built. I’m not saying I regret our time in Wisconsin — far from it. Milwaukee treated us right. Great food, killer beer scene, and some unforgettable friends. But being able to scream at the TV alongside fellow Bears fans after Caleb Williams gets sacked for the fifth time? Yeah, that’s home.

And yes, I might look a little too excited walking around Lincoln Park with a grin that borders on unsettling. Don’t worry — it’s just joy.

Derrick Rose’s Jersey Retirement Isn’t Just About Him

Now that I’m back in town, I’m extra pumped for what’s coming up with the Bulls — especially the upcoming jersey retirement ceremony for Derrick Rose.

Rose recently attended the French Open and chatted with the TNT crew, where he got real about what this moment means to him.

“It’s going to be an honor,” Rose said. “But it’s not just about me. It’s about everyone.”

He went on to talk about how growing up in Chicago shaped him, how the city held him to a standard long before the NBA ever did, and how he always wanted to make them proud. He emphasized that this day isn’t just his — it belongs to every kid who rushed home to watch him play, every teammate, coach, and fan who supported him through the ups and downs.

Even now, Rose continues to give back. Whether it’s handing out flowers at the United Center or helping set up a community garden in Englewood, he’s stayed connected to the people. That’s why so many of us love him — not just for what he did on the court, but for how he carried himself off of it.

Coby White’s Trade Value: High or Overhyped?

Switching gears, all signs point to Coby White becoming a hot topic in trade talks over the next few months.

For starters, he hasn’t signed an extension yet, which means he’s set to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2025–26 season. While I think he’d prefer to stay with the Bulls, his future here depends a lot on how this team performs this year.

If things don’t go the way we’re hoping, can anyone really blame him for looking elsewhere?

That’s why the Bulls may want to start thinking about moving him sooner rather than later. The longer they wait, the more risk they take on — especially if White walks for nothing next summer.

So, what’s he actually worth right now?

While many fans see him as the Bulls’ top trade chip, teams considering a deal will have to factor in the fact that he could leave in a year. If Chicago wanted to maximize his value, last February’s trade deadline might’ve been their best shot.

Still, that doesn’t mean there won’t be interest this summer. Depending on how he starts the season, the Bulls could either get a decent return now or hold onto him and hope he replicates last year’s late-season form. If he does, they might just have an All-Star-caliber player worth keeping around.

Bulls’ Offseason Strategy Is Key

This is a pivotal moment for the Bulls. With Rose’s legacy being honored and questions swirling around White’s future, Chicago fans are watching closely.

The front office has tough decisions ahead — especially if they want to avoid repeating past mistakes, like letting Tom Thibodeau walk away. His tenure with both the Bulls and Knicks ended similarly, but history shows we should be careful what we wish for.

As for me? I’m just happy to be back in the city, surrounded by friends, family, and yes… plenty of Bulls drama.

Derrick Rose Opens Up About NBA Injuries, the former NBA MVP and fan favorite, recently opened up about the physical and emotional toll his career took due to recurring injuries. Speaking at the 2025 Adidas Eurocamp, Rose offered a rare and heartfelt glimpse into how he handled the setbacks that defined much of his NBA journey.

The ACL Injury That Changed Everything

Rose’s career reached its peak in 2011 when, at just 22, he became the youngest player ever to win the NBA MVP award. But just as quickly as he rose, tragedy struck. During Game 1 of the 2012 playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, Rose tore his ACL — an injury that would alter the course of his career forever.

“It was tough,” Rose admitted. “I went from being the MVP to sitting on the sidelines for a whole year. It felt like I lost control of my own story.”

Asking the Hard Questions

While most players might seek medical clarity after such a devastating injury, Rose revealed something unexpected — he never asked his doctors why it happened.

“I never asked the doctor why my injuries were happening,” Rose shared. “They’re just giving me a reason. But I asked God that numerous times. After a while, I stopped asking. I knew I had to roll with the punches, and that’s part of being from Chicago.”

His words reflect not only personal pain but also the mental resilience required to continue playing at the highest level.

From Chicago to the World: A 15-Year Journey

Despite the odds, Rose didn’t walk away. He fought through multiple knee surgeries, meniscus tears, ankle issues, and other setbacks. Over 15 seasons — from 2008 to 2024 — he played for teams like the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

He finished his career averaging

• 17.4 points
• 5.2 assists
• 3.2 rebounds

shooting efficiently at 46/32/83 .

Lessons from the Streets of Chicago

Rose credited his upbringing in Chicago for shaping his mindset. Growing up in tough neighborhoods taught him how to handle pressure and adversity

“I feel like if I can make it out of here, I can make it anywhere,” he said. That same mentality helped him survive the rollercoaster of professional basketball — especially during his darkest moments.

A Legacy Beyond Stats

Though Rose never won a championship, his story is one of perseverance, pride, and passion. Fans remember him not just for his explosive dunks or clutch plays, but for his ability to keep fighting even when the world thought he was done.

As he steps further into retirement, Rose remains a symbol of resilience — and his message continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.

When Michael Jordan returned to the NBA in March 1995, it wasn’t just a shock to fans—it was a Scottie Pippen seismic shift for the Chicago Bulls locker room.

The New Normal Without MJ

By the time Michael Jordan walked away from basketball in October 1993, the world he left behind was one that revolved around him. His absence created a void no other player could fill—at least not yet.

The Bulls were still good, but they weren’t the Bulls . Without MJ, the team had to rebuild its identity. Players like Luc Longley, Steve Kerr, Bill Wennington, and Jud Buechler stepped into bigger roles. Scottie Pippen became the undisputed leader. For a while, they found their rhythm without the weight of Jordan’s shadow looming over them.

Then came the spring of 1995.

Jordan’s return mid-season sent shockwaves through the locker room. It wasn’t just about welcoming back a legend—it was about recalibrating everything. Suddenly, expectations skyrocketed. Practices got tougher. Standards got higher. And for some players who had grown comfortable in their new roles, it was jarring.

Scottie Pippen, who had shared the floor with MJ for years before his first retirement, noticed the unease.

“I think a lot of players found it really difficult,” Pippen said. “Michael brings a different kind of pressure to the game. And a lot of the guys who had come in after he left realized they had to start over.”

Learning to Share the House

For players who hadn’t experienced the early ’90s dynasty firsthand, adjusting to Jordan’s presence again wasn’t easy. He didn’t just walk in—he took over.

“It’s not just my house anymore,” Pippen once reflected. “Now it’s Michael and Scottie’s house. And we have to figure out how to live together all over again.”

That meant changing routines, accepting new roles, and facing the reality that greatness comes at a cost—constant pressure, high expectations, and little room for error.

Playoff Struggles & Growing Pains

Despite flashes of brilliance—like MJ dropping 55 on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden—the 1994–95 season ended short of expectations. The Orlando Magic swept the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, exposing cracks in the team’s chemistry and cohesion.

It was clear: this wasn’t the same Bulls team that had dominated the early ’90s. They needed more than just Jordan—they needed balance, depth, and time.

Reinvention Before Redemption

Thankfully, the front office made key moves. Dennis Rodman arrived. Phil Jackson stayed. The team reshaped itself—not by erasing what had been built in Jordan’s absence, but by blending it with the relentless drive that defined MJ.

And then came the magic: the 72–10 season, another three-peat, and history being made all over again.

But none of that would’ve happened without the awkward, uncomfortable transition of 1995.

Greatness Isn’t Instant

In hindsight, it’s easy to look at Jordan’s return as destiny unfolding. But at the time, it was messy. There were tensions. There were growing pains. And there was uncertainty.

As Pippen put it best: when MJ came back, he returned to a team that had changed—and now everyone had to change again.

There are moments in NBA history that stick with fans long after the final buzzer. Some for the plays, some for the drama — Shaq and Brad Miller and others simply because they’re unforgettable. One such moment came when Shaquille O’Neal and Brad Miller found themselves at the center of an intense on-court clash.

A Tense Moment Turned Funny Memory

Back in 2002, during a Lakers vs. Pacers game, tempers flared between Shaquille O’Neal and Brad Miller. What started as a physical post battle turned into a near-brawl when Miller fouled Shaq hard — and Shaq responded by nearly punching him square in the head. The punch barely missed, but the tension was real.

Fast forward to more recent times, the two legends got together again — this time not to fight, but to laugh about it. At a Knicks vs. Pacers game, Shaq and Miller recreated the infamous incident for fun. And just like the original, Shaq’s swing looked like it would miss again.

It was all in good humor, showing how much time can heal old wounds — even ones that never actually broke skin.

What Could’ve Happened If Shaq Connected?

If Shaq had landed that punch back in 2002, things could’ve gone south fast. With his size and strength, a clean hit could’ve seriously injured Miller. That kind of incident usually leads to suspensions, fines, and major consequences from the league office.

For the Lakers, who were always in championship contention with Shaq and Kobe, losing him to a suspension would’ve been a nightmare. But thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and nothing serious came out of the moment.

From Rivals to Friends

Now, years later, both players look back at the situation with a chuckle instead of anger. Their lighthearted recreation shows how far their relationship has come — from heated rivals to friendly jokesters sharing a laugh over something that once could’ve ended badly.

Shaq, now known more for his personality than his physicality, spends his time hosting Inside the NBA and working on various media projects, including a new Netflix show called Power Moves , where he and Allen Iverson dive into the world of sneakers and business.

As for Miller, he continues to be respected across the league for his basketball IQ and sportsmanship — even if he once went toe-to-toe (literally) with one of the most dominant forces in NBA
The Shaq and Brad Miller story is more than just a fight — it’s a reminder of the intensity of NBA competition and how even the fiercest rivalries can turn into lifelong respect. Whether it’s through reenactments or just memories, these moments are what make NBA history so rich and entertaining.

Let’s get one thing straight — if you’re a Chicago Bulls fan right now, and you’re not furious, you’re not paying attention.

The team is stuck in a purgatory that isn’t even strategic. It’s not a rebuild. It’s not a tank. It’s just… existing. And while the Indiana Pacers are making playoff noise and turning heads with their grit and depth, the Bulls are still pretending they can copy-paste that formula without actually doing any of the hard work.

The Pacers Are Proof That It Can Work — Just Not For the Bulls
Look, nobody thought the Pacers would make this kind of run. Their roster isn’t flashy, but it’s cohesive. Fast-paced, gritty, full of two-way wings and interchangeable bigs. A real modern NBA team.

But somehow, the Bulls think they can mimic that identity? Without having done any of the actual groundwork?

They don’t have the draft picks to match Indiana’s asset base. They don’t have the player development. Hell, they don’t even have a clear direction.

And yet, people like KC Johnson are trying to sell us this idea that the Bulls are “obviously” building toward something like what the Pacers have achieved. Like this was part of some grand vision.

Spoiler: It wasn’t.

Arturas Karnisovas Isn’t Building Anything — He’s Just Stalling
Let’s be honest: Arturas Karnisovas isn’t building a contender. He’s buying time.

He doesn’t have the track record. He doesn’t have the guts. And he sure as hell doesn’t have the results.

You know what he does have? An inability to assess talent, a tendency to overpay for underwhelming players, and a stubborn refusal to admit when things go wrong.

This isn’t a rebuild. This is a slow-motion train wreck.

And the longer ownership lets him keep his job, the more fans are going to lose faith in the franchise altogether.

There’s No Safe Path Forward — So Why Play It Safe?
Let’s talk about risk.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently ranked the Bulls among the teams “too risky” to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. But here’s the kicker:

What exactly do the Bulls have to lose?

Their future? Please. Their young core is unproven at best and broken at worst. Their first-round picks? Sure, they’ll matter — but only if someone competent is holding the map.

If the Bulls traded everything tomorrow for a star like Zion Williamson or LaMelo Ball, yeah, there’s risk involved. But compared to what? Watching Karnisovas fumble another season?

At least chaos gives you a shot. At least it creates pressure. At least it could get AK fired and bring in someone who actually knows how to build a team.

Because let’s face it — the only thing more dangerous than swinging for the fences is standing there waiting for the strikeout.

Patience Is a Trap — Recklessness Is the Only Way Out
Here’s the cold truth: the Bulls aren’t getting better by sitting around and hoping for incremental growth.

They need a reset. A shake-up. A complete overhaul of the front office and roster.

The Pacers proved that a scrappy, deep, fast-moving team can compete. But the Bulls won’t get there by copying them from afar.

They need action. They need urgency. They need someone to rip up the playbook and start over.

So yeah, Bulls fans should want chaos. Because at this point, it might be the only way forward.

Texas Tech Alum Shines in CFL Debut, the Canadian Football League can be the next best shot. For former Texas Tech wide receiver Drae McCray, that opportunity came with the Saskatchewan Roughriders — and he made it count.

From Lubbock to Canada: A Fresh Start for McCray

After spending two seasons with the Red Raiders, McCray entered the pro football scene as a dynamic return specialist rather than a consistent pass catcher. That role followed him north of the border, where he recently made his debut in the CFL preseason.

McCray returned three kickoffs for 110 total yards, including a pair of explosive runs of 51 and 36 yards. As a punt returner — something new for him — he averaged 9.2 yards per return over five attempts.

It’s early days, but the Roughriders coaching staff already sees potential.

“It validates his tape,” said Head Coach Corey Mace. “He was an explosive returner in college and he was an excellent receiver at two schools.”

Mace added, “I think he showed exactly who he can be in the return game in the pre-season game. It’s just a matter of him fine-tuning his skill sets as a receiver.”

A Return Man at Heart

Even though McCray didn’t blow up as a receiver during his time in Lubbock (41 catches for 329 yards), he became one of the most feared special teams weapons in college football.

In 2023, he took a kickoff back for a touchdown against Houston, electrifying the crowd at Jones AT&T Stadium. He led the Big 12 in kickoff return yards that season with 717 total, averaging 27.6 yards per return.

Opposing teams caught on quickly. By 2024, many chose to kick away from him or boot it into the end zone, limiting his chances to break big returns.

Still, McCray finished his Red Raider career with a solid 26.7-yard average on kickoff returns.

Adapting to New Roles in the CFL

One of the biggest adjustments for McCray has been learning how to handle punt returns — a role he never had at Texas Tech.

In the CFL, versatility matters more due to smaller rosters. Being able to return both kicks and punts could be key to sticking around.

While his receiving stats were underwhelming in college, McCray was a standout at Austin Peay before transferring. There, he caught 129 passes for 1,888 yards and 17 touchdowns in just two seasons — showing flashes of what he’s capable of through the air.

Now, he’s focused on proving he belongs — not just as a return man, but as a player who can contribute on multiple fronts.

Takeaway

Drae McCray might not have gotten the NFL shot he hoped for, but his early performance in the CFL proves he’s got the tools to make it in professional football. With elite speed, field awareness, and a growing comfort in new roles, McCray could soon become a staple on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ special teams unit — and maybe even more.

The 2025 NBA playoffs have been full of surprises, but one storyline continues to gain steam—Tyrese Haliburton isn’t just good, he’s elite. And former Chicago Bulls Ex-Bulls Player Blasts guard Jay Williams isn’t holding back when it comes to defending Haliburton’s superstar status.

After Haliburton dropped a historic stat line in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals—32 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists, and 4 steals with zero turnovers —Williams took to social media to slam critics who still don’t see Haliburton as a top-tier player.

“Oh, I’m sorry—did I miss the memo where 32-15-12 with ZERO turnovers in 38 minutes isn’t elite anymore? If that stat line doesn’t scream superstar, what exactly are we watching?” – Jay Williams

Haliburton’s Playoff Dominance Can’t Be Ignored

Let’s be honest—no one expected the Indiana Pacers to go this deep in the playoffs, let alone be one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. But here they are, thanks largely to Haliburton’s jaw-dropping performances.

Through 14 playoff games this season, Haliburton has tallied:

• 272 points
• 137 assists
• Just 27 turnover

Clutch after clutch moment

His composure, court vision, and ability to carry his team through adversity have all pointed to one thing—he belongs in the superstar conversation.

The Stephen A. Debate That Sparked the Fire

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith recently argued that Haliburton didn’t fit the traditional mold of an NBA superstar. That claim didn’t sit well with Williams, who knows a thing or two about point guards after playing alongside some greats during his time in the league.

Williams made it clear: stats don’t lie, and neither does the eye test. Haliburton isn’t just racking up numbers—he’s leading a young, hungry Pacers squad into uncharted territory.

What’s Next for Haliburton and the Pacers?

With the Pacers now just one win away from the NBA Finals, Haliburton has silenced many doubters. Whether or not you call him a superstar, there’s no denying he’s playing like one when it matters most.

And if Jay Williams has anything to say about it, fans and analysts alike better start giving Haliburton the respect he deserves.