"Always been good at cheering from the sidelines" - NBA fans torn over Tyrese Haliburton hyping Indianapolis fans during Colts game

Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton fervently supported the Indianapolis Colts during their season opener against the Houston Texans. However, the two-time All-Star's sideline enthusiasm left NBA fans divided.

During Sunday's NFL showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium, Haliburton was spotted sitting in sports media personality Pat McAfee's field suite, seemingly having a good time.

Later in the matchup, Haliburton showcased his Colts fandom by standing up and dancing as he hyped Indianapolis' fanbase while displayed on the jumbotron.

Some fans on X, formerly Twitter, appeared enthused by the star point guard's energy and passion.

"How can you not love him?" @jennifer40iu said.

"I love him!!!! Is he headed to the Fieldhouse, taking that energy to the Fever?" @RealLauraSteele wrote.

"Bro's just living life, man," @PrizePicks said.

However, others slammed Haliburton, accusing him of having mixed priorities and mocking him for once again garnering attention from the sidelines.

"If only he cared this much about basketball," @HigherValues420 said.

"He’s always been good at cheering from the sidelines," @AustinD20055425 wrote.

"Wonder what went through the minds of [the] Pacers' front office when it saw this," @Spatts_24 said.

The Colts ultimately suffered a 29-27 home loss with Haliburton in attendance. However, the Pacers star later made his way to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. There he cheered on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever as they secured a 104-100 overtime home victory over the Atlanta Dream.

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Tyrese Haliburton's mixed online fan reception comes after his rocky summer with Team USA

As for why some fans displayed online hostility toward Tyrese Haliburton on Sunday, it likely stemmed from his lackluster 2024 Paris Olympic performance.

Despite being an elite playmaker and outside shooter coming off his first All-NBA selection, Haliburton struggled to earn playing time with Team USA. He only appeared in three of the Americans' six group phase and knockout-round games, making a limited impact.

Over three outings, Haliburton averaged a team-worst 2.7 points, 0.7 assists and 0.3 steals in 8.7 minutes per game, serving as Team USA's 12th man.

Nevertheless, the U.S. secured its fifth consecutive gold medal at the men's basketball tournament, with Haliburton taking home his first.

Afterward, the All-NBA third team selectee poked fun at himself on social media.

"When you ain’t do nun on the group project and still get an A," Haliburton said.

So, Haliburton appears unfazed by fan criticism ahead of his fifth NBA season.

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