In an exclusive interview during All-Star weekend, Tyrese Haliburton expressed his candid emotions regarding the Detroit Pistons’ decision to draft Killian Hayes over him.
Haliburton recounted the moment of the draft, stating, “With the Pistons, I knew they needed a point guard. So, in that moment, I already felt like I was the best point guard in the draft,” as reported by Jared Ramsey of Detroit Free Press.
Reflecting on the draft night disappointment, Haliburton revealed, “In that moment, I was frustrated, but I knew the Kings were my floor. But, still in the moment, I was just angry.”
Despite the initial setback, Haliburton found motivation in the Sacramento Kings’ selection, seeing it as an opportunity to make an impact in the league.
Recalling his reaction to the Pistons’ choice, Haliburton said, “What is this, they’re not picking me? And then it flashed up, Killian Hayes, and I was like, ‘What!?'”
Since joining the NBA, Haliburton has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars, earning accolades such as two All-Star selections.
This season he is averaging is averaging 21.8 points, 11.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 32 minutes per game.
In contrast, Hayes’ journey with the Pistons has faced challenges, leading to him getting waived by the team. He was averaging 6.9 points, 4.9 assists and 2.8 assists in 24 minutes per game this season before getting waived.
