Bulls Insider

Tyrese Haliburton would represent safe pick for Bulls

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If you’re talking character and coachability, you won’t find anyone to say a negative word about Tyrese Haliburton.

Once you move the conversation to the court, it mostly remains positive as well. In fact, about the worst you might hear -- if you can even call this negative -- is the ol’ “high floor/low ceiling” characterization.

In short, the Iowa State guard has the feel of a safe pick. While there are certainly questions about his star potential and explosiveness, the four scouts and executives who spoke to NBC Sports Chicago on background all agreed Haliburton has the markings of a rotation player for years to come at the next level.

One Western Conference executive raved about Haliburton’s savviness in pick-and-roll situations, particularly in his decision-making and ability to deliver accurate passes coming out of the basic action. But an Eastern Conference scout speculated that since Haliburton doesn’t possess a classic, beat-you-off-the-dribble move, his passing ability may be neutralized somewhat.

There’s also the issue of his release on his shot. It’s slow and low, though he did shoot 41.9 percent from 3 on 5.6 attempts per game as a sophomore and 82.2 percent from the line. He's better off the catch than off the bounce.

Defensively, an Eastern Conference executive, while acknowledging his habit of getting hung up on screens, cited his ability to read plays and adeptly anticipate passing lanes. Standing 6-foot-5 with a wingspan near 6-8, he’s got major potential as a disruptor who can tally steals.

His basketball IQ and team-first leadership style draw consistent raves. It’s no surprise that word around the league is that his predraft interviews with teams have gone extremely well.

 

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