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

Antonio Brown comments on Elon Musk’s salute at inauguration event: ‘People are tired of media trying to paint narratives’

Donald Trump officially became the 47th president of the United States on Monday, and during…

15 hours ago

Jalen Green, Rashard Lewis react to shocking Houston snow: ‘City shut down’

A winter storm wreaked havoc in southeast Texas on Tuesday, covering the Houston area in…

15 hours ago

Tristan Thompson called out other star guards while campaigning for Darius Garland to make All-Star team

With the Cleveland Cavaliers on pace to win 70 games, it shouldn't come as a…

16 hours ago

Report: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones donated to Donald Trump’s inaugural committee

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones donated to the inaugural committee for President Donald Trump, according…

2 days ago

Paolo Banchero pays huge credit to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for NBA’s diversity: ‘None of this would be possible’

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero explained the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to…

2 days ago

Caleb Williams’ immediate reaction to Chicago Bears hiring Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears reportedly are hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next…

2 days ago