Atlanta Hawks Must Avoid Improper Fit Jaxson Hayes

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Despite not testing exceptionally well at the combine, Jaxson Hayes moves fluidly and projects to be a switch defender in the NBA. He also has the potential to be a top ten NBA rim protector. He shoots a very high percentage at the rim, as he knows his limitations and sticks to mostly dunks and layups. Jaxson has good coordination and when it’s combined with his length and athletic ability, it allows him to be a great lob target. He’s very good in transition, as he frequently beats slower big men up the court. Hayes is a hustle player with a high motor, who doesn’t mind doing the dirty work of diving on the floor for loose balls. He’s also a solid free throw shooter.

This video by NBA Draft Junkies shows the offensive strengths of Jaxson Hayes via their YouTube channel:

Weaknesses

Jaxson Hayes is almost all potential at this point. He will need major coaching and development, in order to develop a sufficient three-point shot. His good free throw percentage, suggests that he can become a decent shooter in time though. Hayes doesn’t offer the skills of ball handling or creating for others. He has the worse assist rate of any player expected to be drafted this year, by a wide margin. Though he blocks a lot of shots, Jaxson Hayes Is undisciplined. He falls for too many fakes and is constantly in foul trouble.

The major red flag on Jaxson Hayes, is the fact that he is a poor rebounder. He only averaged five rebounds a game and a low 8.6 per 40 mins. Comparing him with the other top 20 big men, Bol Bol grabbed 12.8 and Brandon Clarke 12.2 rebounds per 40 mins. Top international center Goga Bitadze averaged 9.7 rebounds per 36 mins in the Euroleague. The lack of rebounding is very concerning, for a player who is a defensive prospect without much to offer on the offensive end of the court at this time.

Checkout Jaxson Hayes in the film room with ESPN Draft expert Mike Schmitz, courtesy of his verifyed Twitter account: