5 NBA Draft targets for Pelicans if high pick comes via Anthony Davis trade

Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas

Entering my stretch levels if the Pelicans trade Anthony Davis to a team with a lower lottery pick (or draft someone higher than valued), here is Texas big man Jaxson Hayes. The 3rd consecutive big from Texas to be drafted in the first round, he looks like a good middle between Mo Bamba and Jarrett Allen, albeit closer to Allen.

Hayes’ line of 10/5/.3 on 72.8% shooting isn’t bad given the fact of how much the Longhorns spread out the ball. However, Jaxson obviously needs some improvement, especially with rebounding the ball. His free throw percentage of 74% is really good for a big, though.

Hayes’ biggest knock is overall awareness, which led to his really low rebounding numbers. Even if the NBA is spreading out the ball more than ever, you still need someone who can be an elite rebounder, and Hayes should be able to grow into that. With Anthony Davis being moved, the only pure big left on the roster is Jahlil Okafor who has moved around a lot and could, in theory, give the Pelicans some stability in the paint. Still, Hayes could have more potential than Jah.

Jaxson Hayes likely won’t be anywhere near the Top 5, with most projections having him around the 7-12 range. A team like the Atlanta Hawks, who own picks #8 and #10, would be the most likely AD trade partner to lead to the Pelicans ending up with Hayes on the roster.

The New Orleans Pelicans will most likely need to move on from Anthony Davis soon, but that should not concern fans of the team. David Griffin knows what he’s doing, and if he’s able to return a high draft pick in any package centered around AD, it will be exciting to pair Zion Williamson alongside another stud prospect to lead this team into the future.