2019 NBA Mock Draft: March is here
C. Texas. Jaxson Hayes. 10. player. 20.
We won’t get to see Hayes in the NCAA Tournament this season, a severe disappointment considering the talent on Texas’ roster and the relative down year for the Big 12. A down year for Kansas and Oklahoma should have given way to bigger things for Hayes and the Longhorns, but no matter. Hayes sealed his fate as a lottery pick long ago, and measurements and athletic tests at the Combine will only help his stock.
The freshman’s final numbers — a 10.8 block percentage, a 72.8 field goal percentage — bely a phenomenal interior presence. His ability to move his feet and read the game while dropping back in pick-and-roll coverage is genuinely reminiscent of Dwight Howard or Clint Capela in terms of smaller big men who are able to defend two guys at once backpedaling toward the hoop. Hayes blew up tons of lobs and interior passes this season in addition to his blocks. He also deterred — as the best big man defenders do — many more shots than will show up in his block totals.
Hayes’ rebounding may leave something to be desired, particularly with a relatively small frame compared with someone like Deandre Ayton or Jaren Jackson last year. But he is a tenacious offensive rebounder, grabbing three per game as a freshman. If he can translate his effort on the offensive glass and as a rim protector and end more possessions on the other end as a rebounder.
The Lakers should try to keep this pick — Hayes is a perfect center to pair with LeBron James. But he will likely be immediately offered to New Orleans. Oh, well. Let Hayes spread his wings in the Big Easy.