There were 11 teams that passed on All-Star Tyrese Haliburton during the 2020 NBA draft but there was one snub in particular that still resonates with the point guard.
During a recent one-on-one interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Haliburton opened up about the highs and lows of his draft experience. The 6’5″ guard out of Iowa State was projected to be a high pick but dropped all the way to 12th before eventually being snagged by the Sacramento Kings. Asked if there was one team that he felt disappointed had not selected him, The Indiana Pacers star had an immediate response.
“Detroit, for sure,” said Haliburton. “It flashed up, Killian Hayes, and I was like, ‘What?'”
Haliburton was stunned to learn he was overlooked by the Pistons considering they needed a point guard. He goes on to say that there is some “added juice” every time he plays Detroit.
Tyrese Haliburton was in shock after Detroit drafted Killian Hayes over him
“What is this, they’re not picking me? And then it flashed up, Killian Hayes, and I was like, ‘What!?'”
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Tyrese Haliburton spoke about his desire to join the Golden State Warriors calling it a “dream.” The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks were two of the other organizations Haliburton was hoping to land with.
The 23-year-old has elevated his game since a blockbuster trade in 2022 saw him move to the Pacers. He had a breakout season last year where he averaged 20.7 points, 10.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds. He has followed that up with an impressive year averaging 21.8 points, 11.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds over 43 games. Haliburton was selected to the All-Star Game in 2023 and again in 2024.
Not getting selected by the Pistons seems to have worked out for the rising star. The Pacer are currently sixth in the East with a 31-25 record. The Pistons are langishing in last place with only eight wins over 54 games.
