Chicago Bulls 2020 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Post-lottery edition

Knicks select G Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State

I can’t tell if it’s really funny how much the league seemingly hates the Knicks or if it’s just sad.

The Knicks dropped from the sixth to the eighth pick on lottery night, further prolonging the misery of their neverending rebuild. This time though, it doesn’t end so badly with the Knicks taking Tyrese Haliburton, the lead guard from the Iowa State Cyclones.

Haliburton is a skilled combo guard with great size at 6-5 and solid rebounding and playmaking skills, making him a nice match with RJ Barett in the backcourt. Haliburton is likely in for a rude NBA wakeup call like most New York draft picks are, but that could also be good in taking the spotlight off Barrett for a minute.

The former Cyclone averaged 15-6-6 on top of 2.5 steals on a 50-42-82 shooting split this past year and showed the ability to run an offense despite not being a natural playmaker.

Haliburton has concerns when it comes to his shooting form and pull-up game, which are results of his shot being slow to develop and awkward on the release. He can be turnover prone at times, but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed with good coaching.

Tyrese is a little skinny coming into the draft, which will need to be fixed by a dedicated NBA diet and workout routine but his skills on the court are great to watch. Even if he doesn’t ever come to be a full-time starter, Haliburton could evolve into a hell of a bench piece once he gains his footing in the league.