Tyrese Haliburton: Prospect Scouting: 2020 NBA Draft

Tyrese Haliburton took the nation by storm this season while playing for the Iowa State Cyclones. Haliburton used his height and freakish athleticism to lead the Cyclones in the Big 12. Unfortunately, Haliburton did fracture his left wrist and he will be put for the remainder of the year. Haliburton would be a nice guard addition for whoever drafts him this year.

Strengths

Haliburton is a 6-5 point guard weighing 170 pounds. He has a huge wingspan of 7 feet. Haliburton uses his great size and length to his advantage, showing great passing ability and willingness to pass the ball.

Haliburton is valuable on defense as well because he can guard PG-SF on the other end. He uses his long legs and strides to cut off defenders when they drive, and is very disruptive. He has quick hands an will be a great perimeter defender in the NBA.

Haliburton is just a smart player. He knows where to be on the floor, and will be a good floor general in the NBA. He can also rebounds very well for his position, using his long arms.

Haliburton is not an Anthony Edwards scorer, but he can score effectively. His outside shot unorthodox, but he is a good shooter. He has great shot selection and will hit his outside shots.

He has great athleticism, but pair that with his great size and length, and Haliburton could be the next great guard in the NBA.

Weaknesses

Haliburton is one of the most all-around prospects, with a good jumper and passing ability as well as good defense. But, Haliburton only weighs 170 pounds. He will need to put on some muscle if he wants to be that versatile defender, guarding PG-SF on the floor. The added weight/strength will also help Haliburton drive the lane.

Although Haliburton can shoot the 3 well, his shot is unorthodox. He might need to speed up his release to get an easier time making contested shots. When he is open, Haliburton is a knock-down shooter, but he will need to work on his contested 3.

Comparisons
Dejounte Murray
Zach Lavine W/out the Bounce
Ron Harper
Lonzo Ball W/ Better Jumper

Where Will Haliburton Go?

Haliburton is a no-doubt lottery pick.

The earliest I have seen him is at pick 4, projected to the Pistons. The Pistons have Derrick Rose in the back court with Luke Kennard at SF with Blake Griffin and Christian Wood at the big guy positions. Haliburton would help Rose out on offense with his floor general mentality and good 3-point stroke. He would also help pester opposing guards on the perimeter. The Pistons should be looking for a guy like Haliburton to help them solidify their roster.

Next, I saw Haliburton going at pick 7, projected to go to the Bulls. The Bulls have their starting 5 of Coby White, Zach Lavine, Otto Porter Jr, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. Now, if the Bulls take Haliburton, they could start him to improve the defense in the back court with Zach Lavine, who is not a great defender. Or, they could make him the back-up guard off the bench and lead the 2nd unit. The Bulls would definitely benefit from Haliburton.

The lowest I saw Haliburton was at pick 11 to the Pelicans. The Pelicans have Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball, both of them being great defenders and floor generals. They have Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Jaxson Hayes or Derrick Favors at center. Haliburton would be nice off the bench with guys like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Frank Jackson, JJ Redick, and Nico Melli. Haliburton would get less playing time, but would help on the defensive end with the 2nd unit and be a nice floor general. The Pelicans would also benefit from Haliburton.

My Prediction

Haliburton is the most-complete player in the draft, and any team could use his services. Haliburton would fit many roles, from starting guard, to 2nd unit guard, to a role guy. Haliburton could go Top 7, or the lower end of the lottery. But, whoever picks him will be very, very grateful that he fell to them.

Please leave a comment on where Haliburton will go, and tell me any other players you would like to see me break down.