What Zion Williamson’s Absence Means for the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans: Jaxson Hayes needs to step up in Zion Williamson’s absence.

It’s Hayes Time

If Zion Williamson has to miss much time, one of the other bigs on the New Orleans Pelicans will need to step up, even if it is just in practice.

The Pelicans are light on big men, with only Derrick Favors, Hayes and Jahlil Okafor at center and Nicolo Melli as the backup power forward.

Okafor has played sporadically this season and offers little on the defensive end. He could fill some spot minutes if Zion Williamson has to miss a game or two, but ultimately he is not the answer, as he really doesn’t fit in with the fast-paced style the Pelicans prefer.

If Zion has to miss any amount of time, it’s fellow 20-year-old Jaxson Hayes who needs to step up. Hayes is a human highlight reel, but often out of place on defense, has poor footwork and cannot shoot.

However, he can protect the rim and runs the floor as well as any big in the game, which is why he ultimately fits better as a replacement for Zion if that is necessary.

Here’ s a Jaxson Hayes’ appreciation thread to remind people what his teammates and coaches think of his potential:

Hopefully Hayes will only be getting extended run in practice, but if Zion has to miss a game, he will be playing big minutes at both backup center and possibly even at the four if the Pelicans decided to go big.

Either way, Hayes will need to step up, ratchet up his intensity and do what he does best, which is swat shots and dunk.

Hayes had a nice stretch in December and has had some big games this season, including three double-doubles and a game against Phoenix where he had five blocks.

He also gives the New Orleans Pelicans some added lineup flexibility.