Level of worry for each New Orleans Pelicans’ young player

New Orleans Pelicans: Jaxson Hayes

Worry Level: High

I know that Jaxson Hayes is just 21-years-old, so it’s still far too early to give up on a player with such immense athletic ability.

But it is also very worrying that it’s year three and we’ve seen zero progress from him even though he’s mostly been a regular part of the rotation. Most guys his age that don’t produce don’t play, so Hayes has been lucky enough to still get minutes even though he hasn’t been very good.

He too suffers from inconsistent effort and focus and still makes most of the same mistakes that he did when he was a rookie.

I’ve seen no signs that his offensive game has improved at all and it arguable that it’s gotten worse, as his numbers are the worst of his career.

Hayes has put the Pelicans in a tough spot, as he is has not played well enough to be in the rotation, but he has no trade value and continuing to bench him will probably destroy his confidence.

Willy Hernangomez has simply been better so far this season. If Hayes can’t get minutes on a 3-win team, I’m not sure when he ever will. Hopefully this most recent benching will turn his season around like it did last year, but so far Jaxson Hayes has been a disappointment in year three.