Injuries limited Tyrese Haliburton to 58 games during his rookie season, but he still looks like a major steal in last year’s draft, writes James Ham of NBC Sports California. The Iowa State guard slid all the way to the 12th pick on draft night, delighting the Kings, who had been hoping to get their hands on him.
“We had even been trying to move up and secure him,” general manager Monte McNair said in a recent TV interview. “When he ultimately fell to No. 12, obviously you never know how it will turn out, but in that moment, we were extremely excited. … I think we may have made a record-setting quick call to the league to lock that pick in. Like I said, he’s even exceeded those expectations and we had very high expectations of him through all of our draft prep and everything.”
Haliburton made a strong case for a spot on the All-Rookie team, averaging 13.0 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. A hyperextended left knee ended his season early, but Ham states that the Kings are confident he’ll be ready for a full summer program with the team in preparation for next season.
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- Terence Davis had a short stay in Toronto, but it sounds like he wants to be with the Kings a lot longer, notes Jason Jones of The Athletic. The Raptors traded Davis to Sacramento in March, and he likes his new situation enough that he’s leaning toward re-signing when he becomes a restricted free agent this summer. “It’s definitely looking like that,” Davis said. “It’s looking really good for me. I would say this is some of the best basketball I’ve played in my career, even in college, this is a stretch of some of the best games I’ve played in my entire life.”
- The Lakers continue to be careful with their stars as the season winds down. According to an ESPN story, Anthony Davis will sit out tonight against the Rockets after experiencing tightness in his left adductor during Tuesday’s game. He will join LeBron James, who announced earlier today that he will delay his return until at least Saturday. James visited an ankle specialist last week, sources told ESPN, and was able to practice Monday without having difficulty with making sharp cuts and jumping.
- Serge Ibaka has already been listed as out for Thursday’s game, but the Clippers remain hopeful he can return before the regular season ends Sunday, writes Mirjam Swanson of The Orange County Register. Ibaka, who has missed the past 29 games with lower back tightness, is traveling with the team on its current road trip.
Why would anyone think the Lakers won’t go deep in the playoffs, inconceivable.
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
I don’t think they got your reference. Lol
I got it..ha.
You are the same guy that claim the warriors wouldn’t make it to the playoffs. Lakers have a tough road since they have no chemistry playing together. Nobody knows how injured Davis and Lebron will be in the playoffs. How easy they could be out again.
Lakers have no chemistry? They won a title last year lol. Maybe that word doesn’t mean what you think it means.
We are talking this year. This is not a half championship year.
What “locker room guy” did they lose in the offseason to destroy their chemistry? LeBron is still the leader on and off the court.
Are you a laker fan? If you don’t know the player that wins with attitude that they lost I am doubting you are a laker fan.
Def not a Laker fan. You talking about Dwight or JR Smith?
Danny Green? Avery Bradley? Playoff Rondo? Not a Laker fan so not sure if Dion Waiters is still on the roster or if he’s on mushrooms.
You said the Lakers would not make the playoffs. So, your belief in the Rockets is wrong. Since you continue to be wrong, the Warriors will easily win a championship before the Rockets
Keep doubting playoff Bron and AD. I’m sure you won’t be eating crow again.
There is no best team in the west this year. Anyone that gets hot in the playoffs could take it. East has a couple teams that could win it all too.
I had Haliburton top 3, W.
Also had Avdija top 3, which right now is more tba because he always needed this development year. Can’t wait to see him back from injury, but I think in 10 years he will have a top 3 win shares from this draft.
Wizards are a bad fit for him.
He can play defense and have playmaking skills, because his IQ is high. But Westbrook and Beal are the playmaker every Sequenz. Avdija don’t can play catch and shoot. The next season will hard for him
I was hoping GSW would take him, as you described, he would have been the perfect Steph/Dray rest time playmaker, but instead they got a longterm project even though they have Steph Curry, and that means you are contending. Sigh.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t think Beal and/or Westbrook will be on the Wizards next season. So maybe Washington will be able to utilize him properly.
Funny, How no one is Asking Why in the Hell is Bagley, Out A G A I N ?? What, did he get a Hang Nail to finish off the Season with !! What a Sorry, Lame A** !!