**Indiana Pacers Sign Fan-Favorite Olympian Keisei Tominaga — Who Some Say Is Better Than Haliburton**
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In a shocking and exhilarating turn of events that has set both the NBA and international basketball worlds ablaze, the **Indiana Pacers have officially signed Japanese basketball phenom and Olympian Keisei Tominaga** to a multi-year deal. The move, announced by the franchise early Thursday morning, brings one of the world’s most beloved sharpshooters to the hardwood of Gainbridge Fieldhouse — and the reactions have been nothing short of explosive.
Keisei Tominaga, known affectionately as **“the Japanese Steph Curry”**, made headlines worldwide for his performance during the **2024 Paris Olympics**, where he led Japan to its best finish in decades. His infectious energy, lightning-fast release, and fearless attitude on the court have made him a cult hero in both Japan and the United States. Now, as he dons the Pacers blue and gold, questions swirl around what his arrival means — not just for the franchise — but also for the team’s reigning star, **Tyrese Haliburton**.
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## **From Nagoya to the NBA: Tominaga’s Remarkable Journey**
Tominaga’s story is one of heart, hustle, and perseverance. Raised in Aichi, Japan, Keisei was born into a basketball family — his father, Hiroyuki, played professionally, and his mother was a standout athlete in her own right. After making waves in high school and on the Japanese national scene, Tominaga took a leap of faith by moving to the U.S., eventually landing at the **University of Nebraska**, where he blossomed into one of the most electric scorers in college basketball.
Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Tominaga refused to give up. He joined the Japanese Olympic team in Paris and **led the tournament in three-point shooting**, drawing the attention of multiple NBA scouts and executives with his scoring prowess and crowd-igniting charisma.
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## **The Pacers Make Their Move**
According to Pacers GM **Chad Buchanan**, the franchise had been closely monitoring Tominaga since early 2023. His performance in the Olympics cemented their decision.
> “We saw something special in Keisei — not just his shooting ability, but the heart he brings to the game,” Buchanan told reporters. “He’s fearless, he’s fun, and he’s hungry. That’s Indiana basketball.”
The Pacers signed Tominaga to a **three-year, \$18 million deal**, with a team option in year three and significant performance bonuses. The announcement came just a day after Tyrese Haliburton reportedly turned down an international endorsement deal to “focus on basketball and leadership in Indiana” — a sign of renewed commitment, but also rising tension in the backcourt.
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## **Fans React: “Better Than Haliburton?”**
The buzz among fans has been immediate and intense. On social media, hashtags like **#TominagaTime**, **#PacersGotKeisei**, and **#BetterThanHaliburton** trended for hours after the news broke. While most fans are celebrating the bold signing, a fiery debate has begun to brew among Pacers Nation: **Could Tominaga actually surpass Haliburton as the face of the franchise?**
> “Keisei’s game is showtime. Tyrese is great — but Keisei? He’s a walking bucket,” said one user on X.
> “This guy drops 30 like it’s a joke. He’s got Curry energy. Haliburton better tighten up,” posted another.
Though the comparisons may seem premature, especially considering Haliburton’s All-NBA status and Olympic gold medal with Team USA, there’s no denying the hype surrounding Tominaga’s arrival. His **lightning-quick release, unlimited shooting range, and crowd-pleasing flair** bring a different kind of energy to the Pacers — one that resonates with global fans.
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## **Coach Carlisle Weighs In**
Head coach **Rick Carlisle**, who signed a contract extension earlier this year, was quick to temper expectations but praised Tominaga’s upside:
> “He’s dynamic. He reminds me of young Manu Ginóbili — fearless, creative, and unorthodox. We’re excited to develop his game and see how he fits into our system alongside Tyrese, Bennedict Mathurin, and the rest of the squad.”
Carlisle also emphasized that there’s **no rivalry** brewing inside the locker room.
> “This isn’t about replacing anyone. It’s about building the deepest, most dangerous roster in the East.”
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## **Tominaga’s First Press Conference: “I’m Here to Compete”**
Tominaga appeared at his introductory press conference wearing a custom Pacers jacket and flashing his trademark smile. When asked about the growing comparisons between himself and Haliburton, he responded with humility — and quiet confidence.
> “Tyrese is an amazing player. I respect him so much. But I came here to compete. I want to help Indiana win. However I can.”
The Japanese media presence was massive, with dozens of international reporters flying in for the event. Analysts project that Tominaga’s arrival could **skyrocket Indiana’s global profile**, especially in Asia, where his celebrity status rivals that of Yao Ming and Rui Hachimura.
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## **What Tominaga Brings to the Pacers**
Tominaga’s addition isn’t just a marketing move — it’s a strategic one. Here’s what he brings to the court:
* **Elite Shooting**: Tominaga shot over **45% from three** during the 2024 Olympics and consistently hit from 30+ feet.
* **Fast-Paced Scoring**: He thrives in transition and has the green light to pull up at any moment.
* **Off-Ball Movement**: Constantly relocating and finding space, much like Klay Thompson.
* **High IQ and Work Ethic**: Coaches rave about his discipline, hustle, and team-first mentality.
* **Fan Magnetism**: Few players energize a crowd like Keisei — a major asset for a young team.
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## **How Will He Fit In?**
The Pacers now face some fascinating decisions about their lineup:
* Will Tominaga come off the bench as a **spark plug sixth man**, à la Lou Williams?
* Could he eventually start in a **dual-guard set** alongside Haliburton or Mathurin?
* Might he lead the **second unit** to increase scoring depth and flexibility?
With **Buddy Hield** now in Milwaukee and questions around TJ McConnell’s future, there’s plenty of opportunity for Keisei to carve out a meaningful role right away.
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## **Marketing Gold for the Pacers**
In terms of branding and marketing, the Tominaga signing is already paying dividends:
* Merchandise sales spiked **400%** within 24 hours of the announcement.
* The Pacers’ official Japanese-language Instagram account gained **250,000 new followers** overnight.
* A preseason game against the Washington Wizards (Rui Hachimura’s new team) is already being billed as a **“Battle for Tokyo”** by Asian sports media.
Experts believe this move could help **globalize the Pacers brand** and bring international fans closer to Indiana basketball.
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## **The Haliburton Question**
Though Tyrese Haliburton has not publicly commented on the “Better Than Haliburton” noise, those close to him say he’s using it as fuel.
One Pacers insider told ESPN:
> “Tyrese is not threatened — he’s motivated. He wants to remind people that this is still his team.”
With both players entering pivotal stages of their careers, the friendly competition may elevate the entire roster. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season, **the Pacers are hungry — and deeper than ever**.
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## **What This Means for the NBA**
Tominaga’s arrival comes during a time when the NBA is rapidly globalizing. He represents a new wave of international talent that **blends entertainment and excellence** — an ambassador for basketball’s future.
If he lives up to the hype, Tominaga could join the likes of **Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama**, and **Giannis Antetokounmpo** in redefining what the NBA’s next era looks like.
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## **Upcoming Dates to Watch**
* **Pacers Media Day:** September 30, 2025
* **Preseason Debut:** October 8 vs. Chicago Bulls
* **Regular Season Opener:** October 22 vs. Boston Celtics
* **First Nationally Televised Game Featuring Tominaga:** October 29 vs. New York Knicks
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## **Final Thoughts**
Keisei Tominaga’s signing marks a bold new chapter in Indiana Pacers history — not just because of what he might become, but because of what it says about the franchise’s vision. They’re not just building a roster; they’re building a **movement**.
Whether he surpasses Haliburton in impact remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: **Tominaga isn’t just here to play. He’s here to rise.** And Indiana — and the NBA — will never be the same.
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