Ok. The New Blood Feature is Cursed. Sorry.
Ok. This article series is probably cursed. It was designed to operate as a crib sheet for me to use for emerging superstars that weren’t playing in the NBA ten years ago (and to feature Mike Morrocco’s gorgeous illustrations). It is clear now that this feature is also a huge curse to whoever we call out. As pretty as Mike draws them, nothing can save them from the horrors of playoff elimination. The very selection seems to make knees explode. Sorry, Tyler Haliburton. It was a great season.
I was hoping to get this written before the Pacers’ season ending meeting with the future champion Boston Celtics (Sorry, Travis. Doom comes for the Mavs. DOOM, I say.) but I was in Portland for a bachelor party. I love that town. It’s just lovely. Stripper Karaoke with the bridal party at Lucky Devil Lounge was the most wholesome stripper event I’ve ever been to. We mostly ate delicious food and wandered. I love that town. I’m writing this while waiting to board a flight to Vegas. Yes, I am a baller. An unemployed baller. My girlfriend lives there and we are going to hike and avoid spending money. Good times. Big flex. (Lemme know if you need a Creative Director.) Anyhoo.
TYRESE! Not the Fast and The Furious Tyrese but Haliburton. While he missed out on the tail end of the playoff run, Tyrese is for sure a star to watch. This young team will be back to the Playoffs. Three things I dig about him:
His style icons are Urkel and Carlton making his pregame entrance must see.
He’s a silky smooth basketball player who sees the court at an elite level. Despite losing his number one running mate Buddy Field to a trade, he plugged in with Pascal Siakam for a deeper than expected play off run. While Tyrese had a bit of come down after the In Season Tournament, he re-emerged at the end of the season to vanquish fellow NBA New Blood victim subject Jalen Brunson. Unfortunately Haliburton’s body broke down.
Most importantly, Tyrese knows his pro wrestling and greeted Booker T with with appropriate respect. What a loveable guy. Maybe he tags with Cody Rhodes when WWE comes to Indy. Between him and Lego enthusiast Myles Turner, the Pacers seem to have “HUGE DORK” high on their scouting reports.
Who should we cover next? I’m thinking that young turk Kyrie Irving…
