New Orleans Pelicans: Grading the first round draft selections
By Nolan Jensen
Jaxson Hayes
Grade: B
With the 8th overall selection, the New Orleans Pelicans went with Jaxson Hayes out of the University of Texas. Hayes finished his freshman year with averages of 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks on a rather efficient 72.8 percent shooting from the field.
First and foremost, the kid is insanely athletic and will represent one-half of a very terrifying defensive frontcourt (if he stays on the roster, that is). Likewise, with his combination of leaping ability, 7’4 wingspan, and big hands, Hayes can finish at the rim with ease and should be the beneficiary of transition dunks on this roster.
David Griffin imagines the most athletic frontcourt in the NBA with Zion Wiliamson and Texas C Jaxson Hayes together. https://t.co/bWqnIlmT3u
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2019
He’s not quite a polished product just yet. Though his FG% is impressive, it can mostly be attributed to dunks/layups. His post game is limited, and he’s not one to fade off pick and rolls and hit an 18 footer—for example.
He’s raw at this point, but the potential is definitely there. His upside on the defensive end is really appealing; he had a block percentage of 9.6 and isn’t easily exposed by perimeter players out in open space.