The NBA world turned its attention to Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton this week after he offered a brief reaction to the New York Knicks' championship victory two weeks prior, sparking widespread mockery across the league. Haliburton, who missed the entire 2025-26 season with an injury, watched from the sidelines as the Knicks ended their long title drought, and his comments were met with scorn from fans and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, a two-time All-Star at age 23, has drawn stray criticism from an unnamed NBA rookie. The Turkish big man averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists last season while shooting 54.1% from the field, leading the Rockets to a fifth-seeded playoff berth. Houston's postseason run ended in disappointment, and the rookie's remarks appear to have added fuel to that narrative.
The Knicks' championship shifts the balance of power in the Eastern Conference, particularly for the Pacers, who were contenders before Haliburton's injury. New York's title run also impacts the Rockets, who are rebuilding in the competitive Western Conference but lack a defined path past teams like the defending champion Nuggets.
For the Pacers, the focus is on Haliburton's recovery and whether he can return to All-Star form for the 2026-27 season. The Rockets, meanwhile, face questions about their young core's ceiling after a first-round exit. Houston's next move could involve roster changes around Sengun and fellow rising star Jalen Green.
"It's just part of the game," a league source said, referring to the back-and-forth between players. "Rookies come in with something to prove, and veterans like Sengun are targets because they've earned it. But it's all noise until the playoffs start."