Obi Toppin might end up being a good player for the New York Knicks, but at the moment, they probably wish they had selected point guard Tyrese Haliburton with the No. 8 overall pick in November's NBA draft.
The Kings sure are thrilled the Knicks passed on the Iowa State product, as Haliburton has been one of the top rookies through the first month of the season. To some observers, the 20-year-old might be the best all-around rookie so far.
In the Kings' 103-94 win over the Knicks at Golden 1 Center on Friday night, the No. 12 overall draft pick finished with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes of action. He connected on seven of his 13 shots and knocked down two of his seven 3-point attempts.
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After the win, Haliburton caught up with NBC Sports California broadcasters Mark Jones and Doug Christie, and was asked about a clutch 3-pointer late in the game.
"I told y'all. They said it wasn't going to translate," Haliburton said. "I made a big shot. They trust me with the ball in my hands. But there was a little added stuff to tonight, for sure. I feel like, you know, there's a lot that happened draft night that I was ready for tonight and I feel like that fueled me a little bit. So, good to get a W and gotta keep building on it.
"But yeah man, they said the jumper wasn't going to translate, so we'll see how that works the rest of the year."
During his postgame conference call with reporters, Haliburton doubled down on his comments after draft night and how things played out.
"I love it here," Haliburton said. "I'm happy that I slid to 12. If we had to do it all over again I pray to God I fall here"
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Haliburton looks like a star in the making and the Kings are certainly happy to have him in the fold.