Eureka! The Kings have struck gold. As is the case with the precious metal, it looks good wherever you put it–on one side of the court or the other–and plugs nicely into key situations. The shine and weight instill a sense of pride and established foundation. And the appearance of such glimmers can lift someone’s status seemingly overnight as if it were always the case. Yes, the Kings struck gold, for after a mere three games, it’s clear: Tyrese Haliburton looks like no rookie.
Sacramento couldn’t ask for anything more from the jackpot they procured in the NBA Draft; Haliburton has played beyond expectations and is a joy to watch. It’s as if we are watching a six year veteran who knows his role and plays it to perfection. Judging by his instant upward trajectory, it’s only a matter of time until Haliburton really develops into a great talent.
I’m not sure what I’ve been more impressed with, his defense or offense.
If Fox, Buddy, and Haliburton are all on the floor together, I already want Tyrese guarding the best player, that’s how good he looks. His long arms have been grabbing steals and getting in the way of passing lanes.
Tyrese Haliburton steal and SLAM! 😮#NBARooks #NBAPreseason
📺: TNT pic.twitter.com/DQAMnNfisH
— NBA (@NBA) December 16, 2020
"An education in anticipation." — @MarkJonesESPN
Tyrese Haliburton with the steal and the breakaway dunk. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ahQXeoa0Ae
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) December 12, 2020
His defensive IQ and on-ball defense has led to stops on the floor with his remarkable knowledge of when to double team and rotate.
Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton film breakdown: the winner who always does the little thing that is not shown on the stats! pic.twitter.com/NCa0JrLRQA
— Marvin Bagley Believer (@YlnJiang) December 22, 2020
90 seconds of Tyrese Haliburton making plays on defense in the preseason pic.twitter.com/xoXACLmPzQ
— Tony Xypteras (@TonyXypteras) December 19, 2020
In the Kings’ two wins, Haliburton posted a defensive rating of 97.5 compared to the team’s overall defensive rating of 105.5.
Yet I’m still not sure what side of the court he looks better.
Haliburton has looked equally smooth running the offense and in three games, he has 15 assists to just 1 turnover. He always finds the open man, and his ball placement is precise.
fantastic timing and placement on this lob from Tyrese Haliburton pic.twitter.com/15UJ2tDqsK
— Karens In Paris (@NekiasNBA) December 27, 2020
Tyrese Haliburton is such a fun pick & roll passer. Love the quick slip by Robinson III to give him a step ahead of Bridges pic.twitter.com/KUHrIsVcyE
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) December 27, 2020
Tyrese Haliburton's patented jump pass pic.twitter.com/e10SJUYTDy
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) December 24, 2020
No look pass leads to an assist for Tyrese Haliburton. 👀 #Kings pic.twitter.com/5nBUJTlmxi
— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) December 24, 2020
Although his jumpshot may look a little funky, it’s proven to be effective. The young guard is knocking down threes at a 41.7% rate and has yet to miss a free throw.
Tyrese Haliburton drilled B2B big time threes 👀 pic.twitter.com/UqWpsaWuC7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 24, 2020
Presenting @TyHaliburton22's first career points pic.twitter.com/yf8FnXgbnF
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) December 24, 2020
If all else fails and he needs to take it to the basket, the kid can do that just as good as he does everything else.
Tyrese Haliburton sails in for his first career @SacramentoKings bucket! #NBARooks x #KiaTipOff20 pic.twitter.com/K3dkA37YmB
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) December 24, 2020
Haliburton has shown why he’s in the game when there’s little time left and the score is tight. He hasn’t made many mistakes, and by the looks of his game, that should be a trend we will continue to witness.
He truly was the steal of the draft as the Kings found another nice young piece to build around. The league doesn’t see too many rookies with the discipline, IQ, and skillset that Haliburton possesses. He is already a great asset for the team and it will be fun to watch as he gets even better. Plus, he’s a reminder that gold is, indeed, fit for a King.
