Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton admits he rushed back from injury due to NBA rule

When Joel Embiid reinjured his knee in his first game back, Draymond Green suggested that the Sixers star forced himself to return just to meet the 65-game quota, and thereby remain in the MVP race. 

Now, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who was in a similar situation dealing with a hamstring injury, has opened up about the NBA's controversial new rule.

Speaking to JJ Redick on "The Old Man and the Three," Haliburton admitted that he would have been sidelined longer if not for the looming threat of losing over $40 million in contract bonuses.

"For sure," Haliburton responded when asked if he rushed himself back. "Towards the end of my [first] game [back], I could feel my leg hurting. There was a play when Aaron [Nesmith] flipped the ball to me, and when I bent to pick up the ball, I was like, 'This is not good.' While driving back to the hotel, I had to sit down and put my leg up to put it in the car.

"That's when a lot of frustration boiled over because I thought I was ready to go but... if this [65-game rule] was never the case, I might have sat out another game or two. Even now, I've been on a minute restriction for two weeks."

There has been a noticeable drop in Haliburton's production since his return, albeit due to a minutes restriction. 

In February, Haliburton is averaging 15.6 points and eight rebounds as opposed to his season averages of 21.8 points and 11.7 assists. 

Fortunately, the star guard hasn't suffered any setbacks since returning from injury. His Pacers are currently the sixth seed in the East.

Haliburton will be the starting point guard for the East in this Sunday's NBA All-Star Game, which takes place in Indianapolis.