Killian Hayes is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class. These five NBA teams should spend a lot of time scouting the point guard.
It’s really challenging to build a winner in the modern NBA without terrific play from the point guard position. Teams in need of a new floor general should take a close look at Killian Hayes in this year’s draft. He has the talent to develop into a high-level starter at the position.
Hayes’ greatest strength is his passing ability. Despite only being 18-years-old he showed a great ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates in the Bundesliga last season. It might take him a little time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NBA, but he should come into the league with advanced creation skills via the pick and roll.
The question marks about Hayes’ game hinge on his athleticism and shot-making ability. He’s a decent athlete with quality size for the point guard position, but he’s never going to be anything more than an average defender.
His shooting stroke looks solid from the free-throw line, but he hasn’t shown the ability to be a prolific3-point marksman at this stage of his career. It’s fair to project him to become an adequate shooter from distance, but anything more would be a pleasant surprise.
Hayes’ feel for the game and ability to create positive mismatches off the pick and roll will make him a top 10 pick. Here are the five teams that would represent the best landing spots for the talented lead guard.
5. Washington Wizards
The Wizards can’t be sure that John Wall will ever be a quality starter again. He believes he’ll return from his Achilles injury as a better player, but Washington can’t afford to count on that.
That’s why drafting a new point guard to pair in the backcourt with Bradley Beal should be a strong consideration for the Wizards in this year’s draft. Hayes’ ability to create with the ball in his hands would allow Beal to function more as a scorer off the wing. That arrangement would work well for the Wizards offense moving forward.