Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton recently reached a major personal milestone, announcing his engagement to longtime girlfriend Jade Jones. After a romantic proposal, the couple shared the news on social media, drawing warm reactions from friends, family, and fans alike.
The Pacers guard has known Jones since college. Having played at Iowa State, Haliburton found it appropriate to propose to her on the court at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
In his Instagram post, Haliburton highlighted the story behind the proposal, writing: “The place where our story started, and where our next chapter begins.”
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Jones and Haliburton have been seen together frequently over the years. She has also been a very vocal supporter of the Pacers team, seen talking trash to fans in the audience, even during road games.
Support of this nature could be vital for the young guard as he is likely to find himself in the media spotlight more often. After making an inspiring run through the postseason, it is evident that the Pacers will demand more attention in the future.
The upcoming season, however, is a different story. Since Haliburton sustained an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals, Indiana’s prospects for the 2025-26 season have looked bleak.
Although Indiana isn’t built like a star-driven franchise, losing Haliburton is a major setback, especially considering how much of an impact the 25-year-old has on winning.
Last season, Haliburton notched an average of 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists. These are solid numbers for a starter, though they may not scream “superstar” at first glance.
Haliburton’s brilliance was showcased in the playoffs, where it wasn’t his tangible stats that made an impact. His understanding of game flow, reading of situations, and overall awareness helped the Pacers settle into a rhythm.
Indiana’s epic second-half comebacks were primarily led by Haliburton and Siakam. With the duo running rampant, the remaining Pacers players also settled into the flow, leading to some miraculous results.
The 25-year-old thrives in the game’s most crucial moments, showcasing a rare blend of poise and instinct. With generational clutch shooting, Haliburton consistently knocked down game-winners throughout the postseason.
Indiana will be quite shorthanded in the backcourt without their primary facilitator. Although Andrew Nembhard has been promoted as Haliburton’s replacement, it would be unfair to expect the same things from him.
Instead, what the Pacers fans can look forward to is Nembhard’s development into a more prominent player in the rotation. When considering his offensive capabilities, the opportunity to be more productive may act as a catalyst for his growth.
Meanwhile, Haliburton will continue with rehabilitation from injury. Given how common such a grave injury has become, the Pacers will make sure that he takes his time before making a return.
