2019 NBA Mock Draft: When simulating the lottery gets wonky
. C. Texas. Jaxson Hayes. 8. player. 142
One of our favorite draft reporters to learn from around this time of year is Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, who put out his third mock draft this week. In it, he had interesting thoughts on Hayes, who may not rise into the top ten but is a lock to land in the lottery:
"“A 6-foot-11 center with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, many evaluators around the NBA believe that Hayes has potential to be the type of low-usage, rim-running, shot-blocking center that every NBA team is looking for right now. He also possesses the footwork and lateral mobility to potentially defend a bit out on the perimeter, and some short-roll ball-handling ability. Basically, Hayes is like a combination of a Steven Adams and Clint Capela starter kit, both of whom have morphed into above-average starting NBA centers who can create an impact on both ends.”"
Vecenie also acknowledges what we have been preaching in this space all season — that the Hornets have to operate along two tracts this summer. There is one in which Kemba Walker leaves and on in which he sticks around on a hefty new deal. Ideally, Charlotte selects a player who works in either capacity, able to play off Walker or become a centerpiece of a rebuild in the future.
There aren’t a whole lot of guys who fit that mold at No. 11, but fortunately, the Hornets have a need at center and can slot Hayes there now and in the future.