When the Sacramento Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton at the deadline, it came as a shock to everyone. Adrian Wojnarowski was shocked, the league was shocked, fans were shocked, and above all, Haliburton was shocked.
In a heartbreaking article Haliburton wrote in The Players’ Tribune, he detailed the moment he realized he was being traded from the Kings – tears and all.
For the few months leading up to the deadline, all Haliburton talked about was how much he wanted to be in Sactown. He wanted to help the city move forward, and in his article even referenced being the next Chris Weber.
And then he was gone.
Tyrese Haliburton will transform the Pacers organization
But while all the focus has been on what the Kings gave up, a big aspect of the deal that has been wildly overlooked is what the Indiana Pacers gained – Tyrese Haliburton.
The Pacers, who have been constantly criticized for their acceptance of mediocrity, made a move that will almost certainly improve their organization long-term.
Haliburton has shown the potential of an All-NBA-level guard this season, and the fact that they were able to pry him away from the Kings is a victory within itself.
He’s already played two games with Indiana, and man oh man are the results speaking for themselves. Is it a small sample size? Sure. But the sample size looks amazing.
Indiana is giving him the ball and allowing him to work, something that the Kings weren’t always able to do with De’Aaron Fox on the floor alongside him.
The Pacers are now Haliburton’s team, and if everything goes according to plan, they will be for a long, long time. What are some of the best things he brings to the table in Indiana, and what makes him so special?