Not Drafting Tyrese Haliburton Continues to Haunt Suns

Phoenix could regret this choice for years to come.

Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

PHOENIX -- Recent developments in the grand scheme of the NBA should have fans of the Phoenix Suns in reflection of what could have been - particularly in the vein of what the Indiana Pacers are doing.

Tyrese Haliburton willed the Pacers to a 2-0 series lead over the juggernaut Cleveland Cavaliers in what is seen as a juncture that the point guard is continuing to boost his profile as a franchise player.

Every shot from Tyrese Haliburton to tie or take the lead in the last 2 minutes this season https://t.co/Qu4MzHg5H9 pic.twitter.com/66A9H5UcAi

— Pitless (@pitlessball) May 7, 2025

Haliburton famously went 12th in the 2020 draft after months of draft experts believing the Iowa State product would go in the top 10 in the draft - the Suns were one of the franchises that were frequently linked to him.

Phoenix eventually opted to select Jalen Smith with the number 10 pick.

While Smith was a phenomenal talent and has carved out a solid career thus far in the league, he was not at a position of vital need for the Suns at the time, while also frequently being pinned as a prospect that was selected significantly higher compared to big board rankings.

Smith was also eventually traded for Torrey Craig - who left Phoenix just months before he was re-acquired at the trade deadline in 2023.

Haliburton could have been a franchise-changing player. The 6'5" facilitator could have sat behind Chris Paul for multiple seasons while still playing a key role for a title hopeful. Haliburton could have grown in Monty Williams' player-first approach while being surrounded by knockdown shooters and endlessly active offensive talents such as Mikal Bridges.

If push came to shove, Haliburton could have also been included in a potential trade package for Kevin Durant if that time ever came in this scenario - the addition of Haliburton could have afforded Phoenix the ability to retain either Bridges or Cam Johnson - perhaps even both.

Hindsight is 20-20 - but a singular decision that was made by the Suns after the magical bubble run in the summer of 2020 could be the one that haunts the franchise for years to come.