Sacramento Kings: Time To Hand Over PG Reigns To Tyrese Haliburton

I’ve said many times that DeAaron Fox needs to be dealt this season. That situation has become more apparent over recent weeks. With Fox being out for Covid protocols, Tyrese Haliburton has stepped in and provided the Kings with something Fox hasn’t given them, a true point guard. Harsh as that reality is to face, the Sacramento Kings are now Haliburton’s team.

I’m not going to make this an article on DeAron Fox trade destinations or why he needs to be moved elsewhere. The point I’m making is why Haliburton needs to be the guy at Golden 1 Center. The franchise player the Kings have been looking for, they’ve got that in Hali. That’s not to say Fox hasn’t been the franchise guy, it’s just that Haliburton is much more versatile. On a team such as Sacramento, that versatility goes a long way. And, that’s who fans need to believe in as the franchise cornerstone.

There’s a drastic difference in the way Haliburton and Fox play the PG position. Fox, while viewed as a  more dynamic scorer, is an on-ball threat. He’s not going to come off the screen and look to the passer.  Swipa will create his own shot, sometimes at the risk of the defense collapsing on him. Fox’s first instinct is to shoot. His second instinct is usually to pass.

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Haliburton on the other hand, he’s a much more capable on and off ball player. Haliburton will get the ball and drive inside, but unlike Fox, if the shot isn’t there, Hali will dish out the ball. On that note, Hali also plays a much better off-ball game. He has the ability to get to a spot for a shot or get himself in a position to receive the pass.

Talking on/off ball shooting out of the equation, it’s apparent that the two view the PG position in a different way. Fox can move the ball around if he sees an easy opportunity. Haliburton is almost always finding ways to get the ball to his teammates. Richaun Holmes and Haliburton run one of the best two-man games in the league. That’s rare to see from Fox.

I know there is something to be said for the star appeal of Fox. Fans will be angry if the star is dealt with. Fine. It’s the harsh reality that Haliburton is just that much better. Fox has just been way too inefficient (especially in the clutch). Haliburton has a knack for the PG role. Fox, while nobody is calling him selfish, doesn’t look like he trusts his teammates. Up until this year, it felt as if the Kings rallied behind DeAaron. I’m now fully conceived Haliburton is that guy. Fox just seems disconnected from his team. You have Doug Christie jumping up and down on the sidelines and teammates hooting and sharing in Haliburton’s success.

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You can love DeAaron and disagree with him being replaceable with the Sacramento Kings. That’s great, however, what has Fox brought the city in terms of wins? Haliburton seemingly has taken this offense to new heights. He’s a player you build your offensive attack around. It’s starting you right in the face, Haliburton is the man in Sacramento. Keep Fox or not, changing the course of your approach might benefit you. Haliburton is the player who can alter the path your team is on.

Daniel Gentile

Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288