All Clippers

13-Year NBA Veteran Compares Tyrese Haliburton To Legendary Point Guard

Former Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. gave Tyrese Haliburton an unexpected comparison during First Take on Tuesday
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) walks downcourt during the third quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) walks downcourt during the third quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Ex-Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. has been making his rounds in the media lately as a contributor on various shows across ESPN platforms. During his most recent 'First Take' appearance on Tuesday, Morris Sr. added his two cents to the contentious debate regarding Tyrese Haliburton's credentials as an NBA superstar.

Morris Sr. related Haliburton's small-market stardom and play style to that of NBA legend Chris Paul, emphasizing his belief that Haliburton and Paul share similar "floor general" qualities that make them superstars by virtue of improving the teammates around them.

"I think we just so used to saying a superstar is athletic and in a bigger market," Morris Sr. said. "What Haliburton is doing is similar to what Chris Paul is doing. Like we said, Chris Paul was a superstar, right? Chris Paul was the ultimate general and that was what made him a superstar. " Haliburton is currently leading the highest-scoring offense remaining in the NBA playoffs.

"He made guys better. He's won games," Morris Sr. added. "That's what made him a superstar. He wasn't the most athletic. He made big shots down the clutch. (Haliburton is) kind of walking in that same path"

Morris Sr.'s comment predictably drew pushback from host Stephen A. Smith, who urged Morris Sr. to reconsider the comparison.

"Do you realize that when you bring up CP3, you're talking about a top six, top seven point guard in history?" Smith said. "We're talking about we're talking about somebody that's been nicknamed the "Point God" for crying out loud. Not a point guard, but point God. A floor general extraordinaire."

"I mean of all the great great point guards in NBA history, we're talking about this dude (in the) top six, top seven, arguably in the top five. You're not talking about that with somebody like Haliburton, certainly not yet," Smith added.

With Game 4 Tuesday night, Haliburton and the Pacers have a chance to take control of the series with a 3-1 lead. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.

Related Articles

11-Year NBA Veteran's Interesting Description of Knicks' Tom Thibodeau

Clippers Legend Calls For Change In Denver Following Playoff Elimination

Ex-Clippers, Lakers Guard Reveals Mistake NBA Teams Make


Published
Will Despart
WILL DESPART

Will Despart is a Las Vegas-based sportswriter who covers the NBA for OnSI. He also writes for Ballislife and handles multiple beats for The Sporting Tribune, including the Las Vegas Aces and Las Vegas Raiders. His reporting has been featured in newspapers across the country through the Field Level Media news wire.

Share on XFollow WillDespart