Why the Atlanta Hawks should (and should not) draft Tyrese Haliburton.
Ever since the Atlanta Hawks won (“won”) the sixth pick in the lottery, one player has been penciled in beside their name in mock drafts frequently: Tyrese Haliburton.
The Iowa State product is one of four point guards expected to go in the lottery. Many (including myself) have noted that Haliburton is probably the best fit with the Atlanta Hawks of those four, although none are a snug fit.
Speedy as he is lanky, Haliburton is certainly an interesting piece to add, one that could help the Hawks both now and in the future. He’s also seen mostly as a high-floor, low-ceiling type player. While he, at the very least, should turn into a solid role player, there are a handful of more risky prospects (such as Obi Toppin and Cole Anthony) who could become bonafide stars.
Here we’ll be taking a look at both sides of the coin and making the argument for why the Atlanta Hawks should and should not draft Tyrese Haliburton.
Why the Atlanta Hawks should draft Tyrese Haliburton
1. modern-NBA size
6-foot-5, Haliburton has great size to go with his NBA-ready handles. While there have been exceptions (such as current Hawk, Trae Young), the league is moving towards positionless basketball, a mold Haliburton fits into.
He can pass over smaller guards and defend (more on his defense on the next slide) multiple positions with long legs and his 6’8 wingspan.
2. Pure playmaker
LaMelo Ball is the best passer in the class and it’s not much of a competition. Haliburton likely wins the tight race for the second-best playmaker in the draft.
His court vision and accuracy are veteran-like. He can make any pass needed, and then some.
Here is Conditt with the dunk after the great pass from Haliburton! pic.twitter.com/Ru9rgREiUL
— Iowa State Men’s Basketball (@CycloneMBB) December 5, 2019
3. Behind or with Trae
No matter how you feel about Brandon Goodwin, the Hawks still need a long-term backup for Young. But with his size and ability to facilitate and get buckets (see below) for himself, Haliburton could also slide over and play shooting guard next to Trae.
4. Three-point efficiency
It’s no secret the Atlanta Hawks need to surround their stars with more perimeter shooters and Haliburton can definitely help in that category.
He took an average of 5.6 treys per game as a sophomore, doing so at a very respectable 42 percent clip. Those numbers came when he was the constant first option at Iowa State, and may even improve when he becomes a secondary option in the NBA.
Why the Atlanta Hawks shouldn’t draft Tyrese Haliburton
1. Room to grow.
He’s not a fully finished product, but as mentioned, Haliburton’s game likely won’t have much of a ceiling. He can be a perfectly solid piece for the Hawks, but his game may leave some to be desired, especially for the sixth overall pick. If Atlanta trades down a few spots and targets him there, it would be better value.
2. Wouldn’t help defense
Although he has the height and wingspan to be at least pesky on D, Haliburton is stick-thin and doesn’t put up much of a fight to get around screens. He has also been caught sleeping a few times and struggles with consistent closeouts. He wouldn’t help the Atlanta defense that desperately needs a boost.
While they would be very dynamic and fun to watch on offense, a Haliburton-Young backcourt would compete for the worst defensive duo in the NBA.
3. Best option?
This is the biggest question surrounding any draft pick, so it may seem a bit redundant to point this out. Alas, the Hawks have to ask themselves if a backup point guard is worth the sixth overall pick at this point in their rebuild.
More plug-and-play options like Devin Vassell and Isaac Okoro could both be on the board at that point and would be very tough to pass up on given their positional fit and defensive-minded play.
The bottom line is that Haliburton will almost certainly be a solid hooper. He’s a pro-ready passer and has the stroke to be a 40 percent shooter from deep. Is that enough for the Atlanta Hawks to draft him in the top-ten?