Tyrese Haliburton: Early Observations
Dec 18, 2020, 10:16 AM | Updated: 10:17 am
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
In a year that seems like it will never end, the world still does move fast.
One month ago, the NBA draft was held, and the Sacramento Kings utilized their lottery pick at number 12 on Tyrese Haliburton. The Kings were ecstatic to draft him, Haliburton wanted to be here, and so the pairing began.
The preseason has now come to an end and we can all see some of the traits that has excited people around the league. When I watch him the first thing I think is βinstinctsβ.
Tyrese has tremendous instincts for the game on both ends of the floor. I love that about him. That is something you should always try and teach and grow but when you already have that it can take you a long way. He has begun the initial part of his career as someone who creates for others. He passes people open, constantly looks for others and I do believe his own offense will come in time.
His stat lines over the four preseason games were impressive in how he touched a little part of every stat.
Game 1 vs. Portland: 5 points -3 rebounds – 2 assists – 2 steals and 2 turnovers
Game 2 vs. Portland: 11 points – 6 rebounds – 7 assists – 1 steal – 1 block and 0 turnovers
Game 3 vs. Golden State: 2 points – 1 rebound – 3 assists – 2 steals and 3 turnovers
Game 4 vs. Golden State: 7 points – 3 rebounds – 1 assist – 1 steal – 1 block and 0 turnovers
Haliburton is a nice to fit into the rotation for the Sacramento Kings. As he gets more and more comfortable his production should go up and so should his minutes. He can play on the ball, off the ball, multiple positions and will understand the nuance of the NBA game as he gets his experience. He is a team first player and naturally makes his teammates better. The opinion of Haliburton by those in the NBA was high going into the draft and according to the GM survey that has not changed.
This is from the latest annual GM survey released before the beginning of every season.
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft? 1. Tyrese Haliburton (12), Sacramento β 43% 2. Saddiq Bey (19), Detroit β 11% 3. Kira Lewis Jr. (13), New Orleans β 7% Tyrese Maxey (21), Philadelphia β 7% Obi Toppin (8), New York β 7% > Also receiving votes: Precious Achiuwa (20), Miami; Cole Anthony (15), Orlando; Vernon Carey Jr. (32), Charlotte; Theo Maledon (34), Oklahoma City; Skylar Mays (50), Atlanta; Jaden McDaniels (28), Minnesota; Devin Vassell (11), San Antonio > Last year: Nickeil Alexander-Walker β 32%
Annual NBA GM Survey
So far there is a lot to like about Tyrese Haliburton and I believe the future looks very bright for him. There will be bumps but the highs should outweigh the lows. The Kings have a good one here and for him the journey is just beginning.
