Team USA basketball star Tyrese Haliburton has captured the hearts of NBA fans by sharing an adorable photoshoot with his dog, Ames, that includes a special guest appearance by his Olympic gold medal. The Indiana Pacers point guard, who didn’t see much court time during the Paris Olympics this summer, posted the heartwarming pictures on Instagram, showing off his bond with his beloved goldendoodle.
In one standout photo, Ames is draped in an American flag while proudly wearing Haliburton’s gold medal, adding a patriotic touch to the endearing moment. Haliburton, who runs his dog’s Instagram account, @amesers, along with his girlfriend Jadee Jones, humorously captioned the post: “USA USA USA (don’t talk about the last pic, dad promised me it was the last one for the 100th time).”
The post quickly garnered attention from fans and fellow athletes alike. Canadian softball player Nathalie Wideman, a bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, commented, “More of this energy please,” showing her appreciation for the playful photoshoot.
Another fan shared a personal connection, revealing, “We named our dog Ames because of your dog!” The lighthearted spirit of the post even led one fan to quip, “I am here for the dude and his doodle.”
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Not everyone could resist poking fun at Haliburton’s limited playing time in Paris. One user joked, “Even the dog carried more than Haliburton in the Olympics,” a playful jab that referenced Haliburton’s viral social media post earlier this month, where he humorously acknowledged his minimal role in Team USA’s success. After the team’s victory over France in the Olympic final, Haliburton had tweeted, “When you ain’t do nun on the group project and still get an A,” poking fun at himself.
Ames, the star of the photoshoot, has a special place in Haliburton’s life. The goldendoodle is named after Ames, Iowa, the city where Haliburton rose to prominence as a college basketball star at Iowa State. Haliburton adopted Ames during his rookie NBA season in 2020-21, and the two have been inseparable ever since.
The photoshoot not only showcased Haliburton’s love for his dog but also highlighted the lighter side of an athlete who is enjoying life both on and off the court. As fans continue to react to the sweet images, it’s clear that Haliburton’s bond with Ames, combined with the backdrop of his Olympic success, has struck a chord with many. The heartwarming post serves as a reminder that even in the competitive world of professional sports, there’s always room for a little fun and affection.
