Wally Szczerbiak could easily be determined as the ‘newest villain’ in the NBA for throwing shades at Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton despite him being in his breakout season – leading the league in assists at 10.5 per game and even averaging 20.7 points per game. This is just why Kevin Durant came out to defend this young star against a veteran who blatantly threw him under the bus.
To roll back the pages a little, let’s bring everyone on the same page. Pacers were down by 3 in their matchup against the Knicks recently, when Haliburton, who has scored 15 points on the night missed the potential game-tying 3. This is just when Wally decided to throw his under the bus by deeming his as a ‘Fake All Star.’
After that particular instance, not only did Haliburton knock down his career-best 43 points against the Miami Heat. But encouraged Kevin Durant to come out to the battlefield on social media to call out the former Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics’ player.
Kevin Durant called out Wally Szczerbiak
Why did Kevin Durant come out to defend Tyrese Haliburton? Szczerbiak, who is now a Knicks analyst, was really making those comments at the time to prop up Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle as All-Stars. Moreover, with how the New York Knicks have made a positively good start, one of them will probably make it in as well. This is just why Wally brought Haliburton under the scanner.
Keeping aside Kevin Durant and Wally Szczerbiak for now. Tyrese Haliburton can surely be an All-Star in this season, if he continues to play in the same manner.
Trading him earlier in the same year from King has been one of the bets decisions taken by Indiana Pacers. Not only is he overshadowing the likes of Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis but is also leading the team to a playoff spot.
