“Good Humans First, Great Basketball Players Second”
Interviewing the Indianapolis Icons: Kelsey Mitchell & Tyrese Haliburton
August 14, 2026
Kelsey Mitchell, one of Indiana Fever’s most dynamic scorers, is officially on the PUMA roster. And that’s not all – she’s simultaneously been brought on board as the first athlete to join Tyrese Haliburton’s signature Hali Line.
The two of them discuss showing up for each other, the bond behind the big deal, Kelsey’s historic season, and for the future of the Hali franchise.
A Natural Fit
From a PUMA perspective, signing Kelsey was an obvious choice: she represents the confidence, competitiveness and unstoppable performance that naturally aligns with the brand’s ethos.When asked how it feels to join PUMA, Kelsey doesn’t hide her excitement. “Joining PUMA will give me more of that family feel, which is what I ultimately want,” she says.
“I am surrounded by people who want to see me win and who I can grow with!”
That “family feel” is essential for Kelsey, who attributes much of her historic success this season to her father. “I play for my dad, who passed away,” she shares. “I envision him at every game, sitting where he used to sit. Now that he’s physically gone, I play for him, and he’s still guiding me every step of the way. I also play for my mother, who’s been my rock and supports me like no other.”
The confidence that made her a WNBA star shines from within too. “All I want to do is win, so I leave everything out on the court,” she says. “I’m just blessed to be playing the game I love at such a high level and in an era where women’s basketball is thriving more than ever!”
The confidence that made her a WNBA star shines from within too. “All I want to do is win, so I leave everything out on the court,” she says. “I’m just blessed to be playing the game I love at such a high level and in an era where women’s basketball is thriving more than ever!”
A Signing Story Rooted in a Real Relationship
PUMA’s partnership with Kelsey grew out of her close relationship with NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. The two have a fair amount in common, and a friendship grounded in mutual admiration.“Ty is an amazing human,” Kelsey raves. “He’s such a real, down-to-earth guy just like me.
We are good humans first, and great basketball players second.
He’s always checking in on me and vice versa, and I just appreciate the human interaction we have.”
On Tyrese’s side, Kelsey has been a pillar since the beginning. “Something really special is that when I was traded to Indiana, Kelsey was here, on the Fever in Indiana, and we were able to grow a relationship from there.” he explains.
That kind of connection is rare, Tyrese admits. “At the end of the day, it’s hard when we’re professional athletes to find people that you can connect with that are going through similar things as you,” he says. “We both share that with being in Indiana, the time that we’ve been here, going through the ups and downs of being a professional athlete. So, it’s important to show up. I love having her to communicate with and bounce ideas off. It’s really special for me.”
That kind of connection is rare, Tyrese admits. “At the end of the day, it’s hard when we’re professional athletes to find people that you can connect with that are going through similar things as you,” he says. “We both share that with being in Indiana, the time that we’ve been here, going through the ups and downs of being a professional athlete. So, it’s important to show up. I love having her to communicate with and bounce ideas off. It’s really special for me.”
One Number, Two Athletes, a Shared Standard for Greatness
Kelsey calls being brought into the Hali franchise as the first athlete after Tyrese himself an honour, and a fitting one. “It just makes sense, though, right? We both wear the number 0 and play for Indy,” she says. “He’s been a fan of my game, and I’ve been a fan of his. We’ve watched each other up close.. I can’t think of a better person and player to do this with.” Tyrese echoes the respectful sentiment, saying, “It’s an honour that I could find somebody as good as her, that would be willing to wear my PUMA signature line, and support it at the same time. Watching her play, she’s so smooth. I love the way she plays the game, being one of the best players in Indy’s history. I love the person she is most importantly, and I feel like we have similar values in life, which is really important for me.”
Lacing Up for What’s Next
When asked what she’s most looking forward to in her upcoming All-Star appearance, Kelsey points to the company she’ll keep: “I love being around the All-Star players. It’s such a fun opportunity to get to know other great players in this league that you have to compete against. The community of greatness is what I live for and what I’m most looking forward to.”For Tyrese, who has been working his way back from injury, the excitement is just as real. “I’m kind of like chomping at the bit right now to get back on the floor,” he says.
“I can’t even explain how excited I am to finally get back to doing what I love.”
Design Time
As for the Hali line, Tyrese has been busy working behind the scenes. “Obviously, there’s a lot that people haven’t seen with me not being on the floor,” he explains. “I’ve been able to make a lot of colorways, like PEs, that I’m really excited about. I haven’t really worn them yet because I want people to see them on the court for the first time. We’ve come up with something pretty cool for my return with the Hali 1 and even with the Hali 2, which I am excited to share with people and for fans to see.”Any Final Thoughts?
“If you aren’t wearing PUMA, I’m sorry for you,” Kelsey jokes.“No, but seriously, just be who you are and stay true to yourself. That authenticity looks good on you!”
