New York Knicks

Stephen A. Smith blasts Knicks for drafting Obi Toppin over Tyrese Haliburton

Published by
Peter Dewey

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith put the New York Knicks on blast for drafting Obi Toppin over Tyrese Haliburton.

The Sacramento Kings selected Haliburton with the No. 12 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

So far this season, the rookie has turned heads with his impressive play.

Smith voiced his opinion on Wednesday.

“Rookie Tyrese Haliburton, who the New York Knicks should have drafted instead of Obi Toppin, dropping 15 points in the fourth quarter last night, hitting a late-game dagger to help win the game for the Sacramento Kings,” Smith said. “That’s Tyrese Haliburton. This brother can ball. Shooting about 50 percent from 3-point range. The brother is special. That’s who the New York Knicks should have drafted. Oh, no you didn’t draft someone other than Tyrese Haliburton, New York Knicks. Oh, no you didn’t!”

The Knicks selected Toppin with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, but he has appeared in just two games due to a calf injury.

While it is way too early to tell if either one of these players will be a star, Haliburton has shown he is NBA ready.

This season, Haliburton is averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 54.1 percent from the field.

Once Toppin is healthy, the Knicks should have a better idea if they made the right choice or not.

Peter Dewey

Peter is a graduate of Quinnipiac University where he covered the MAAC and college basketball for three years. He has worked for NBC Sports, the Connecticut Sun and the Meriden Record-Journal covering basketball, football and other major sports. Follow him on Twitter @peterdewey2.

Published by
Peter Dewey

Recent Posts

Jeff Teague: LeBron James is ‘giving hints’ about his future

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James remains one of the top players in the NBA…

19 mins ago

Julius Randle calls Anthony Edwards’ confidence in himself ‘Kobe-like’

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards oozes supreme confidence on the offensive side of the ball.…

2 days ago

Russell Westbrook’s wife accuses ESPN reporter of spreading ‘lies’ about him: ‘Dirty work’

On Tuesday, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne came out with a piece on Denver Nuggets guard Russell…

2 days ago

NBA source confirms that Jayson Tatum’s injury involves his Achilles tendon after Game 4 exit

The Boston Celtics blew another big lead in Game 4 of their second-round series against…

3 days ago

2-time Lakers champ jokes that Luka will only be 31 when Mavs trade Cooper Flagg to L.A.

There are a slew of people who think the Dallas Mavericks got fleeced when they…

3 days ago

Report: Mark Cuban was ‘so busy screaming’ that Patrick Dumont wasn’t certain Mavs landed No. 1 pick

The Dallas Mavericks headed into Monday night's draft lottery with a measly 1.8 percent chance…

3 days ago