Draymond Green Likens Tyrese Haliburton’s Dribbling Skill to Two NBA Legends

Draymond Green is never short on strong opinions or bold comparisons. Whether he’s breaking down defensive schemes or dissecting player skill sets on his podcast The Draymond Green Show, his basketball IQ consistently shines through. So when the four-time NBA champion and defensive stalwart draws parallels between a rising star and two all-time greats, people pay attention.

This time, the subject of his admiration is Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton — and the skill in focus is his dribbling, or more specifically, his command of pace, space, and deception with the ball in his hands.

“Tyrese Haliburton doesn’t dribble just to dribble,” Green said in a recent episode. “Every bounce has a purpose. The way he controls the game with his handle — it reminds me a lot of Steve Nash and Luka Dončić.”

That’s high praise. Nash, a two-time MVP, was the maestro of the pick-and-roll, known for his shiftiness and ability to keep defenders off balance with subtle changes in speed and direction. Dončić, meanwhile, represents the modern evolution of the slow-but-unstoppable playmaker — manipulating defenders like a chess master with every hesitation and body feint.

To be mentioned in the same breath as those two is a testament to the strides Haliburton has made. But Green’s comparison isn’t based on highlight-reel crossovers or flashy dribble combos. It’s deeper than that — a nuanced nod to the art of ball-handling as a weapon of control, not just showmanship.

The Anatomy of Haliburton’s Handle

At first glance, Haliburton’s dribbling might not seem elite in the way fans are used to. He’s not stringing together Kyrie Irving-level combo moves or breaking ankles with Allen Iverson-style crossovers. Instead, his handle is functional, minimalistic — and deadly effective.

Draymond Green explained it this way:

“What makes Tyrese special is how efficient he is. He’s not wasting energy. He’s always thinking two moves ahead, like Nash used to do. He’s not trying to beat you with speed. He beats you with feel, with angles.”

Haliburton’s unorthodox shooting form has always drawn attention, but his dribbling is equally unconventional in its effectiveness. He uses pacing and timing as tools, often lulling defenders into a false sense of security before blowing by them or threading a pass through the tiniest of windows. He’s ambidextrous in his manipulation, comfortable going either direction, and adept at protecting the ball.

What sets him apart is how he uses his handle to control tempo. He’ll slow down, speed up, pause — all within a single possession. It’s reminiscent of Nash probing through the paint, keeping his dribble alive until something opens up. It’s reminiscent of Luka playing at his own rhythm, making defenders react on his terms.

The Nash Comparison: A Master of Control

Steve Nash, during his prime years with the Phoenix Suns, redefined what it meant to be a floor general. His handle wasn’t flashy, but it was surgical. Nash could navigate tight spaces, keep his dribble alive under pressure, and make split-second decisions that unlocked defenses.

Haliburton mirrors Nash in that sense. When he gets into the paint, he rarely rushes. He’ll snake around screens, hesitate just enough to freeze a defender, and then either shoot, float a lob, or kick out to an open shooter. Like Nash, Haliburton plays with his head up, seeing the court a step ahead.

Draymond noted this in his breakdown:

“You watch Tyrese and it’s like he’s in a different gear from everyone else — not because he’s faster, but because he’s thinking faster. That’s Nash. Nash wasn’t going to dunk on you. He just out-thought you. Tyrese does the same thing.”

Both players share a deep understanding of timing and geometry — how to manipulate the defense by using the dribble not just as transportation, but as storytelling. Each bounce tells the defense something, and Haliburton knows when to lie.

The Luka Comparison: Pace as Power

If Nash was the dribbling tactician of his era, Luka Dončić is the master of rhythm in today’s game. Luka doesn’t need top-end speed. His control over pace is his superpower — changing speeds, stopping and starting, all while scanning the floor for openings.

Draymond sees that same ability in Haliburton.

“Tyrese plays with that slow-fast-slow style. It’s real Luka-ish,” Green said. “It’s hard to guard someone who can change pace that well, especially when they’re 6’5” and can pass like that.”

Like Luka, Haliburton often uses hesitation moves and head fakes to create advantages. He’s not overpowering defenders with athleticism — he’s beating them with manipulation. And once he gets a step, he capitalizes with elite vision and decision-making.

The dribble isn’t a flashy display. It’s a surgical tool. Luka uses it to dictate flow. So does Haliburton.

Dribbling as Orchestration, Not Performance

In today’s NBA, dribbling is often associated with flair. Mixtape handles and flashy iso moves dominate highlight reels. But Haliburton — like the legends Draymond compares him to — treats the dribble as a means to an end.

Every bounce he takes is deliberate. It’s not about impressing the crowd. It’s about breaking down a defense, reading help rotations, setting up teammates, and making the right play.

Draymond emphasized this point:

“There’s a difference between dribbling to dribble and dribbling to create. Haliburton does the latter — always. That’s what makes him dangerous. That’s what makes him special.”

This cerebral approach aligns with what makes Green himself such a valuable asset. As a player known for his own high IQ and playmaking, Draymond has a keen eye for others who see the game similarly. In Haliburton, he sees a kindred spirit — a connector, a thinker, a player who elevates everyone around him through subtle mastery.

The Evolution of a Young Star

Tyrese Haliburton’s rise has been steady and impressive. Since entering the league, he’s shown remarkable growth not just as a scorer, but as a floor general. His assists per game skyrocketed once he took full control of the offense in Indiana, and his efficiency remains elite.

Beyond the stats, though, it’s how he feels the game that’s winning respect. Draymond isn’t the only veteran singing his praises. Many around the league now view Haliburton as one of the smartest young guards in the game — someone who can run an offense with poise well beyond his years.

His dribble is central to that identity. He uses it not to isolate, but to orchestrate. To organize chaos. To settle a possession and create structure in transition or the half-court.

Impact Beyond the Handle

While the focus here is Haliburton’s dribbling skill, it’s impossible to ignore how it complements the rest of his game. His shooting range keeps defenders honest. His height and wingspan give him vision that shorter guards don’t have. His unselfishness turns him into the kind of teammate that others love to play with.

Draymond acknowledged the full package:

“You combine that handle with his vision and IQ, and you’re looking at one of the best point guards in the league already — and he’s only getting better.”

That kind of endorsement from one of the league’s toughest competitors is significant. Draymond doesn’t dole out comparisons lightly. When he mentions Nash and Luka, he’s making a statement: Haliburton is a thinker, a tactician, a future franchise cornerstone.

The Legacy of Intelligent Handles

The Nash-Dončić-Haliburton lineage is about more than dribbling. It’s about how dribbling becomes an extension of intellect. It’s about understanding how to use the ball to manipulate time and space. And it’s about using those subtle gifts to dominate without necessarily overpowering anyone physically.

Each of these players proves that being methodical can be just as dangerous as being explosive.

Haliburton is now carrying that tradition forward — with his own flair, of course. His smile, his humility, and his joyful approach to the game make him a fan favorite. But beneath that demeanor is a surgeon with the ball, slicing through defenses with surgical precision.

A Star on the Rise, With Legends in the Rearview

As Haliburton continues to lead the Pacers into a new era of competitiveness, he does so with more eyes on him than ever before. The league is taking notice. So are the veterans. So are the legends.

Draymond Green’s comparison to Nash and Dončić isn’t just a compliment — it’s a challenge. A nod to Haliburton’s trajectory, but also an invitation to embrace the responsibility that comes with such high expectations.

And judging by how he’s handled everything so far — including the ball — he’s more than ready for it.