Pelica Debrief
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3 players who’ve stepped up as Pelicans wait for Zion Williamson

By Willie Lutz

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 7: Zion Williamson #1, and Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans talk before a pre-season game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 7, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 7: Zion Williamson #1, and Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans talk before a pre-season game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 7, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes, New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 1: Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 1, 2019 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jaxson Hayes, C

So far during the 2019-2020 NBA season, the best rookie on the New Orleans Pelicans has so far been Jaxson Hayes, that’s not really even a point of contention at this point.

Looking like he could be due for an amazing future playing center next to Zion Williamson, Hayes’s ability to run the rim seems like it might only get better as he gains muscle and experience, pretty typical needed adds for young players in this league.

Averaging 8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while playing 20.8 minutes, drawing 9 starts in 19 games so far during his rookie season, Hayes continues to look like he’ll have a long future in the Association.

Plus, he’s making this team incredibly fun to watch as he keeps putting opposing big men on posters, regularly making the ESPN Top 10.


When he’s paired with Zion Williamson, they could eventually have one of the most devastating frontcourts in the league. Both Williamson and Hayes are elite athletes who can jump out of the gym, delivering embarrassing

Until then, Hayes keeps providing the team pretty solid performances and making his impact as a rim-running prospect who fits well at this level.

Next. Even if he's load managed, Zion is worth the wait. dark

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