With the 12th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected Tyrese Haliburton, despite some expected him to go in the top 10. The rookie is a 6-5 guard from Iowa State. Not only was Halibutron a steal on draft night, but he is also proving that many teams made a mistake by passing on him.
Haliburton’s height and size (6-5, 185 pounds) makes him a unique player in the NBA. His length and frame allows for him to guard forwards. His body control and intelligence means he can also cover guards that are smaller and quicker than him.
Tyrese Haliburton College Career
Haliburton was best known for his defense coming out of Iowa State. In his two years for the Cyclones, Haliburton averaged just under two steals per game and just under one block per game. However, he blossomed his second year under head coach Steve Prohm and averaged 15.2 points per game (PPG). Haliburton continues to prove in the NBA that he is capable of both scoring and keeping the ball moving on offense.
Tyrese Haliburton Kings Rookie
So far in his rookie season, Haliburton has won Rookie of the Month in the Western Conference in January. He is playing 29 minutes per game off the bench for the Sacramento Kings and is averaging 11.2 PPG. Haliburton is truly a perfect fit for the Kings because he can compliment De’Aaron Fox when they are on the court together by defending the more physical guard. However, Haliburton is also a capable point guard in his own right and can keep the wheels of the offense spinning for brief stints.
Against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, Haliburton demonstrated that January was no fluke. He scored 21 points (5-9 from three-point range), dished out four assists and grabbed three rebounds. Haliburton’s three-point shooting ability has been an impressive. He shot the three ball at a 42.6% rate at Iowa State, but nobody knew he had this kind of range.
Tyrese Haliburton continue to prove to be the ultimate role player for the Sacramento Kings. As the trade deadline approaches, the Kings may look to sell assets such as Harrison Barnes. Therefore, Haliburton could see an increased role before the 2020-21 season is over.
