Sacramento Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton compared the feeling ahead of his first NBA game to a kid waking up on Christmas Day and he may not be the only one that feels that way.
The feeling is likely mutual for each player set to debut as the NBA tips off its 2020-21 preseason schedule with five matchups on Friday night. For Haliburton, it may feel even more special as his Kings will be showcased nationally on ESPN versus the Portland Trail Blazers at 10:30 p.m. EST.
Haliburton, like every rookie, has been busy learning his new team’s system during training camp. Rookies have faced a shortened offseason period this year but Haliburton revealed one trick of the trade that has him a bit more prepared, via Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.
Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton on getting to know new teammates during these unusual times:
"I've got Synergy. I can look at guys' numbers, where they shoot the ball best, where they don’t. I play 2K with the Kings so I know who has a jumper and who don’t.”
— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) December 11, 2020
Haliburton projects to have a strong rookie campaign with the Kings. He has been viewed as perhaps one of the most NBA-ready 3-and-D prospects this year and figures to be a key contributor off the bench behind De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield.
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