Tyrese Haliburton, the dynamic point guard currently dazzling fans with the Indiana Pacers, began his NBA journey under the bright lights of a very unusual draft night. Selected 12th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, Haliburton joined a class held virtually due to the global pandemic. Coming out of Iowa State, he was known for his exceptional court vision, high basketball IQ, and unorthodox shooting form, qualities that quickly translated to the professional level.
His rookie season in Sacramento was nothing short of impressive. Haliburton wasted no time showcasing his unique skill set, immediately carving out a significant role for the Kings. He consistently demonstrated elite playmaking, averaging 13.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting an incredibly efficient 47.2% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range. His calm demeanor and ability to impact the game without dominating the ball earned him widespread praise and a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, solidifying his status as one of the draft class's biggest steals.
From Promising Rookie to Core Contributor
Haliburton continued to build on his strong debut in his second season with the Kings, further developing his game and proving he was more than just an efficient role player. He increased his scoring and playmaking responsibilities, becoming an indispensable part of Sacramento’s backcourt. While the Kings as a team struggled to find consistent success, Haliburton’s individual brilliance shone through, confirming his potential as a foundational piece for any franchise. This impressive early trajectory set the stage for the seismic mid-season trade in February 2022 that would send him to the Indiana Pacers, a move that would fully unleash his superstar capabilities and redefine his career path.