Warriors coach Steve Kerr paid emerging Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton incredible praise Friday by boldly comparing the 23-year-old to a young Steph Curry.
While speaking with reporters ahead of Golden State’s tilt with the Thunder, Kerr said he was not shocked to witness Haliburton’s star performance on the national stage during this season’s NBA in-season tournament.
“Not surprised. Coaching him this past summer, the guy is a brilliant player,” Kerr said.
Haliburton, who is averaging a career-high 26.9 points per game, leads the league in assists (12.1 dimes per contest). He went off for 27 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds in Indiana’s in-season tournament semifinal win over the Bucks on Thursday.
Steve Kerr says Tyrese Haliburton reminds him of a "young Steph" 👀 pic.twitter.com/vSs5XL1yuf
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 9, 2023
“A very unique player just the way he sets up the game for the rest of his teammates, and then can just stop on a dime and make a three at any time," added Kerr. "He puts a lot of pressure on the defense. He just sets a great tone and pace for his team.”
After coaching him this summer on Team USA, Kerr boldly stated that Haliburton's game and skill set emanates a vibe reminiscent of a young Curry.
“He is fun to play with, fun to coach. Almost like a young Steph,” Kerr said.
“Similar kind of vibe to him; there is something special about him.”
Haliburton and the Pacers will square off against LeBron James and the Lakers in the NBA’s in-season tournament championship game Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. PT in Las Vegas.
