The legacy of the exciting “Seven Seconds Or Less” Phoenix Suns is far from dead.

The "Seven Seconds or Less" era for Phoenix, spanning 2004-2008, revolutionized NBA offense under coach Mike D’Antoni. 

Led by two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, the Suns from this era emphasized speed, spacing, and three-point shooting, aiming to score within seven seconds of each possession. 

With players like Amar’e Stoudemire and Shawn Marion flanking the point God Nash, the Suns of this period prioritized fast breaks and pick-and-roll plays, averaging over 110 points per game. Despite regular-season success, including 62 wins in 2004-05, the Suns struggled in the playoffs, often falling to teams like the San Antonio Spurs. Nonetheless, their high-octane style influenced modern NBA pace-and-space offenses.

Now, it appears that a single player has managed to encapsulate the legacy of those Suns teams.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

On Wednesday, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons identified him during a new episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast.

“This is the kind of game where he surged into the (top 10) discussion,” Simmons said of Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton’s Game 4 masterclass win over the New York Knicks. 

“I texted Steve Nash (during) the game and I asked him, ‘Do you feel like (Haliburton is) the illegitimate son of the Seven Seconds Or Less Suns?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely.’”

“I don't know why I never really thought about it. Maybe other people have made the comparison, but I don't really remember thinking that until I was watching tonight. Because when Game 3 went off the rails for (Indiana), it was 'cause things slowed down and they turned into a normal basketball team, which is always when it goes bad for them.”

Haliburton finished Game 4 with an outstanding stat line of 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and zero turnovers. The Pacers are one game away from the NBA Finals, a place the franchise has not been since 2000.

The Pacers, founded in 1967, have never won an NBA championship.

More NBA: Knicks' summer plan to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo outlined clearly