Tyrese Haliburton leading Team USA's Good Vibes second unit

Team USA is 2-0 in Group Play and it's been the second unit having fun while building a big lead on opponents.

Tyrese Haliburton celebrates with Austin Reaves (Lakers). Those two have led the second unit — and kept it fun. (Photo: Haliburton on IG)

Just look at the photo above and take it in. The wink. The fun. Doing Austin Reaves’ celebration with him. The entire bench standing behind him and engaged.

That’s Tyrese Haliburton — playing with his usual joyful (yet competitive) spirit and easily getting along with teammates.

Like Pacers president Kevin Pritchard said more than a year ago, who wouldn’t want to play with him?

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson may be the starter, but Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is the mastermind behind the second unit. He’s asserting himself, taking charge, demanding the ball and then setting teammates up.

“Quick! Quick! Quick!” you can hear Haliburton shout over the TV broadcast, trying to inbound the ball ASAP to maximize their scoring opportunity.

And opponents? Much like when another shooter is on the floor, they’re making sure all five guys know when Ty is out there because he’s going to get it and go — just like he does with the Pacers.

And that’s led to some fun basketball for USA Basketball, especially when the starters struggle to surge ahead initially.

Most of you are probably aware that the FIBA World Cup is underway and Haliburton is playing about 20 minutes per game off the bench. It’s giving us bonus basketball in the offseason and leads up to the start of training camp in October.