Tyrese Haliburton – Sacramento Kings
With LaMelo Ball missing a significant amount of time due to a wrist fracture, it seems like the only guy who can catch Anthony Edwards for Rookie of the Year at this point is Tyrese Haliburton. Before the season began, we briefly touched on Haliburton and his potential, which you can view here, but the 21-year-old guard has exceeded the expectations placed on him by a wide margin.
In fact, he not only has a ton of upside, but he has carved out a role as a key backcourt talent next to De’Aaron Fox in the Kings system moving forward. Tyrese Haliburton was one of our “steals of the draft” back in November and he has lived up to the hype surrounding him.
He ranks third in scoring out of all rookies this season, second in assists, third in three-point shooting percentage (min. 100 attempts) and ranks first in steals. In 52 games with Sacramento, Haliburton has averaged 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and has shot 40.9% from three-point range.
Coming out of Iowa State, there were a lot of questions about Tyrese Haliburton’s ability to play off-the-ball as a combo-guard at the next level since he was so ball dominant in college, but next to De’Aaron Fox, he has played his role to perfection.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: This Blazers-Sixers offseason trade is focused on CJ McCollum
The Kings have their backcourt of the future locked up at this point and given how well he has played this season, Tyrese Haliburton will definitely earn All-Rookie First Team honors, as well as potentially receive some first place votes for Rookie of the Year.
