With the No. 8 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks selected Texas center Jaxson Hayes. The pick will reportedly be traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
A prototypical rim-running big man, Hayes was able to take advantage of his growth spurt and develop into one of the most intriguing prospects of this year's class.
Hayes has the ceiling to turn into a modern center with an impressive shooting touch, connecting on 74 percent of his free throws during his freshman year. His outstanding length will help him effectively play the pick-and-roll as an above-the-rim threat, but he's also shown signs of becoming a spot-up shooter from mid-range.
The Longhorns product didn't really impact the box score, averaging 10 points and five rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game, but he shot 72.8 percent from the floor and his 2.2 blocks are enough of an indicator that he'll be a disruptive defensive presence around the basket.
Bio
Position: C
School: Texas
College Experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 219 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-4
Max Vertical: 34.5 inches
Strengths
- Outstanding length to finish above defenders and protect the rim on defense
- Has soft touch and is becoming an effective finisher around the basket
- Can become a star in the right system as he continues to learn the game
Weaknesses
- Still too raw to rely on early
- Needs to pack on some muscle to compete against NBA-level size