Kendrick Perkins seems to have flipped from criticizing Tyrese Haliburton to having high praises for the Indiana Pacers star ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Haliburton is preparing for his first season since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. He took the entire 2025-26 campaign to rehab the injury, making a full recovery as he makes his return this season. Perkins was critical toward the star guard as he labelled him overrated back in 2024. He walked it back as he recognizes the star guard's talent.

“I was one of them that called him overrated two years ago. And I would like to issue a public apology, because young man, you are one of them,” Perkins said during a recent segment of NBA Today on ESPN. “When we start to talk about Luka and Jalen Brunson and these top dogs around the league, we have to mention this young man. He led a team to the NBA Finals. This man is one of the best leaders in the game, he’s a throwback guard … no one can question him in the clutch cause he’s proven that on the big stage.”

Perkins doubled down on his praise, appearing on the Road Trippin podcast on Saturday. He named him a top 10 player in the entire league when healthy, placing lofty expectations on the Pacers star.

“He's a top 10 player in the NBA… Right now, Tyrese Haliburton if I’m starting a team… I would start a team with him over Kevin Durant… When we mention Luka Doncic… We need to f*cking mention Tyrese Haliburton,” Perkins said.

“He's a top 10 player in the NBA… Right now, Tyrese Haliburton if I’m starting a team… I would start a team with him over Kevin Durant… When we mention Luka Doncic… We need to f*cking mention Tyrese Haliburton.”

— Kendrick Perkins 👀 pic.twitter.com/fIqHfXV6Mv

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 17, 2026

Article Continues Below

Indiana looks to get back to the playoffs with Haliburton, suffering last season with a 19-63 record. They had one of the worst records in the league, not even getting a lottery pick as it went to the Los Angeles Clippers instead.

The Pacers will look forward to their season opener, being on the road. They take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. ET.