NBA Twitter erupted into a frenzy this week when popular hoops analyst and content creator @foestar13 dropped a hot take that sent shockwaves across the basketball community: Tyrese Haliburton is on a trajectory comparable to Chris Paul.
That’s right—@foestar13, known for his unfiltered takes and deep dives into player development, made the comparison during a livestream clip that quickly went viral. While many fans applauded his analysis, others were quick to bring out the pitchforks. And among the loudest dissenters? None other than the ever-vocal Stephen A. Smith, who didn’t hold back when the clip was played during a segment on First Take.
The Take Heard Around the NBA
In the now-infamous clip, @foestar13 laid out a compelling case. He pointed to Haliburton’s court vision, maturity, and leadership in just his third NBA season with the Indiana Pacers. “Look at the efficiency, the way he controls tempo, the IQ,” he said. “I’m not saying he is CP3 yet, but if you look at early-career Chris Paul in New Orleans and stack it up next to what Haliburton is doing now—man, the numbers don’t lie.”
@foestar13 backed it up with stats too. Through his first three seasons, Haliburton has averaged nearly 17 points, 9 assists, and shot over 40% from three. His assist-to-turnover ratio ranks among the best in the league, and he’s taken on a leadership role that belies his age. Add in the fact that the Pacers offense hums when he’s on the floor—and stagnates when he’s off—and the argument doesn’t sound as wild as it initially seems.
Enter Stephen A.
But the moment Stephen A. Smith caught wind of the clip, the energy shifted.
“Are y’all serious right now? Chris Paul? CHRIS PAUL?!” Smith exclaimed on live television, his voice rising with every syllable. “This man is a Top 5 point guard in the history of the game. We talkin’ about a guy who was a maestro—an orchestra conductor with the basketball. You don’t just throw names like that around!”
Smith didn’t deny Haliburton’s talent. In fact, he praised the young point guard for his poise, passing, and overall game. “Haliburton is NICE. I’m not saying he’s not. But CP3 is a different echelon. I need to see more. I need to see postseason excellence. I need to see longevity. I need to see some pain in the playoffs.”
He then pointed to Chris Paul’s 2008 season, where he nearly won MVP and dragged a then-mediocre New Orleans Hornets team to 56 wins. “Do that first,” he snapped. “Then we’ll talk.”
The Fan Reaction
As expected, NBA Twitter took sides. Some fans came to @foestar13’s defense, arguing that comparisons like these aren’t about disrespect—they’re about potential. “No one said Haliburton has had CP3’s career yet,” tweeted one user. “But if you look at where he is now, it’s fair to draw parallels.”
Others sided with Stephen A., echoing sentiments that the comparison was premature and even disrespectful to CP3’s legacy. “Y’all really love microwave greatness,” one tweet read. “Let a dude have two good seasons and y’all acting like he’s Magic.”
Haliburton himself even weighed in with a subtle reaction, posting a popcorn emoji followed by a shrug on Instagram Stories. Fans took that as his way of saying: “Let them talk. I’ll just keep hooping.”
Breaking Down the Comparison
So, is the Haliburton-CP3 comparison really that outrageous?
In some ways, @foestar13 has a point. Haliburton has shown elite court vision, control, and leadership at a young age. His decision-making is surgical, and his basketball IQ is off the charts. Like Paul, he isn’t the most athletic guard on the floor, but he plays with a cerebral approach that makes teammates better.
However, CP3’s legacy was forged over years of dominance, playoff heartbreaks, and undeniable leadership across multiple teams. By his third season, Paul had already become a household name and was widely considered the best point guard in the league. Haliburton, while excellent, still flies under the radar for many casual fans and is yet to fully establish himself on the postseason stage.
What @foestar13 might be getting at is not that Haliburton is CP3, but that he’s on a similar developmental path. And for a third-year guard, that’s incredibly high praise.
What’s Next?
With Haliburton entering his prime and the Pacers showing signs of being a legitimate playoff team, the real test is coming soon. Can he elevate his game when it matters most? Can he become the floor general who dictates playoff basketball the way CP3 did in his heyday?
One thing’s for sure: the spotlight is only going to get brighter.
As for @foestar13 and Stephen A.? Their debate has become symbolic of the ever-growing generational divide in basketball discourse. One side sees potential and projects it forward. The other side guards legacies and demands more evidence.
Either way, we’re all tuned in—because if Tyrese Haliburton really is on a CP3-type path, we’re witnessing something special.
And if he isn’t? Well, at least the popcorn was good.
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