Tyrese Haliburton still can’t believe the Detroit Pistons drafted Killian Hayes ahead of him in 2020.
Haliburton is already one of the premier guards in the NBA, while Hayes is unfortunately best known for his viral lowlights. He was also waived by the Pistons on February 8 and is yet to be signed by another team.
During an interview with Taylor Rooks, Haliburton was asked which team passing on him felt the most personal, and he immediately answered, “Detroit.”
“They’re not picking me? And then [on the TV it] flashed up, ‘Killian Hayes,’ and I’m like, ‘What!?’”
Hali’s story about the Pistons passing on him in the draft 😅 @TaylorRooks
(via Taylor Rooks X) pic.twitter.com/rPnWiThx6z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2024
“With the Pistons, I knew they needed a point guard,” Haliburton said. “I already felt like I was the best point guard in the draft, because on ESPN, it has like the top players available. One, two, and three were Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and LaMelo Ball.
“So after that, I’m the number one best available… it flashed up Killian Hayes, and I’m like ‘what?’ In the moment, I was just angry… So that one definitely felt the most personal, no question.”
Haliburton ultimately fell to 12th, where he was selected by the Sacramento Kings, who 18 months later traded him, along with Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson, to Indiana for Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, and a second-round pick.
On draft night, Haliburton’s continued slide down the draft order resulted in Obi Toppin, Deni Avdija, Jalen Smith and Devin Vassell also being selected ahead of him.
But he had the last laugh, with the only player from that draft who could hold a candle to Haliburton now being Anthony Edwards.
READ MORE: Tyrese Haliburton Gives Honest Take on Indiana Pacers Losing Buddy Hield
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