With less than 20 days of the Draft, no player is unanimous for the first choice, and we are therefore not immune to a huge surprise from the Wolves, whether it is ‘a resounding exchange or an unexpected selection.
According to Gery Woelfel, insider of the Bucks, one player is currently sowing doubt in the minds of Wolves and Warriors, and it is Tyrese Haliburton (1m96, 20). Complete “combo guard”, like a Malcolm Brogdon but in a style rather close to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he sees his rating climb from week to week. The Wolves spoke to him, and since it went well, they even met him. Either because they plan to select it with the first choice or because they are eyeing it in case they swap that first choice to select lower. The Warriors may have the same strategy as Tyrese Haliburton is due to meet the Golden State contingent next week. He had already spoken to them a month ago, and they imagined him as a young Shaun Livingston.
“They told me they saw me in a role similar to his” confirmed the leader of Iowa State. “Shaun is older, he can defend positions 1 to 4 at a very high level. It’s something that I hope I can develop, something that I’m really working on. But I think we have at least two differences. Shaun might be one of the best mid-range shooters I’ve seen, but I think I can shoot better than him at 3-pointers. Obviously Shaun Livingston is a great player and it’s really hard that they think I can look like him. “
An impressive but frail wingspan
Another team that has made an appointment with him: the Bulls, who have the 4th choice. This is to say if Tyrese Haliburton interests the best placed teams, and clearly, he has gained several places in the “mock draft” for two months. Notably because he showed great maturity during interviews, and because his game already seems suited to the NBA. For a scout of an NBA franchise who will choose in the Top 5, cited by our colleague, it is a “safe” choice. ” I don’t know where it’s going to go, but I can tell you that people in our franchise really, really appreciate it. He’s versatile, he gives his all, and he’s a good kid. There is a lot to enjoy about him. They are convinced that it is the safest choice of the Draft« .
Cousin of Eddie Jones, the former back of the Lakers and the Heat, he has the physique, and this is what may worry some scouts since he does not exceed 80 kilos on the scale. He replies that he is there to facilitate the game of his teammates, and that his game intelligence is his strong point. ” Considering how the NBA is playing now, with space on offense, I think this is a place where he will be at his best. “Said Nate Oats, the Alabama coach. ” He sneaks around a lot, and he can go into the racket and do the right readings. It corresponds to this NBA where the backs are bigger and where there are a lot of changes in defense.. »
What can also worry is his 3-point gesture. With huge arms, he starts his shot very low, and that can be a problem in the NBA against much more aggressive defenses. In any case, he puts in (42% at 3-points this season), and it will therefore be necessary to avoid leaving him alone in a corner or in the axis.
Stats 2020 : 15.2 points, 6.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game
