3 Former players that have excelled since leaving the Sacramento Kings

2. Tyrese Haliburton

In the 2020 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected Tyrese Haliburton with the twelfth overall pick. A backcourt pairing of De’Aaron Fox and Haliburton turned out to not be an ideal fit, however, as both are best with the ball in their hands. 

So, the Kings sent Haliburton to Indiana in exchange for Domantas Sabonis in a deal that many fans hated at the time. It worked out well for all parties, however. The Kings returned to the playoffs after 16 long seasons of losing, the Pacers got their franchise player, and Haliburton developed into a rising star. 

Since coming to Indiana, he has developed into a 20-point scorer and one of the best playmakers in the game, averaging around 10 assists this season. His three-point shooting has not been as good this season as it has been for the rest of his career, and he has struggled to stay healthy for several seasons now, but Haliburton still made two All-Star teams as a Pacer. 

The Pacers are currently sixth in the East with a 46-35 record. Haliburton is still working through an injury that has bothered him for most of the season, and the team is still integrating Pascal Siakam into the offense, but the team has a bright future. 

Outside the Celtics, the Eastern Conference has no established top teams. Even though the 76ers and Bucks should be right there with them, both teams have not lived up to expectations this season. So, the Pacers and Haliburton have a chance to be a playoff team for quite some time from now on.