For Tyrese Haliburton, it wasn’t about proving the doubters wrong. It was about proving himself right.

Growing up in a family of four boys, Haliburton has always had the inner drive to push him to be great.

“I’m big on having as many motivations as you can because I feel like all the greats do,” Haliburton said.

Haliburton shares this motivation on the fourth episode of Pass The Rock Season 2, which is currently streaming on the NBA App.

The Pacers’ guard goes behind the scenes on his rise to stardom and the transition from Sacramento to Indiana.

The familiarity of his Midwest home has allowed Haliburton to flourish leading the Pacers. After growing up in Wisconsin and attending Iowa State, Haliburton appreciates the similarities.

“This fits me more, the Midwest feel … I’ve been here my whole life,” Haliburton said.

The comfortability has transferred to on-court success. Haliburton’s second straight All-Star selection comes from a run to the inaugural In-Season Tournament finals, where he earned the national spotlight and the expectations that come with it.

“In some ways, you’re asking a lot of him, but I think he’s embraced it all the way,” said Pacers play-by-play announcer Chris Denari.

Off the court, one of Haliburton’s best traits is how comfortable people feel in his presence.

“You can feel the radiance he gives off,” Tyrese’s girlfriend, Jade Jones, said. “He’s super friendly, he’s welcoming, he’s warm … he brings out the best in everybody”.

The first three episodes of the second season of Pass The Rock focused on Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero. 

Future episodes will feature New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.