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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) looks to pass as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jae'Sean Tate (1) defends during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) looks to pass as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Jae’Sean Tate (1) defends during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

28. Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin Badgers

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Paul Millsap

Safe Upside Comparison: LaPhonso Ellis

Position: Power Forward

Age: 21 (12/16/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 237 pounds, 7’3.5″ 

Slash Line: .401/.301/.747

Season Averages: 36.3 MPG, 17.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 3PM

The 2015-16 Wisconsin Badgers don’t have a Sam Dekker or a Frank Kaminsky waiting in the wings. The top prospect on the roster has a chance to follow in their footsteps as a first-round draft pick, however, and that’s reason enough to be intrigued.

Nigel Hayes started the season in lackluster form, but has turned things around in a major way over the past few weeks.

Hayes is a skilled power forward who isn’t built for every era of NBA basketball, but is coming along at the perfect time. He’s tailor-made to be a small-ball power forward as a big who contributes across the board and balances his lackluster size with a near 7’4″ wingspan.

As far as his upside comparison goes, the ultimate player is Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap.

Hayes isn’t nearly as dominant a rebounder as Millsap was in college, but their games are comparable. Hayes, like Millsap, does a bit of everything on both ends, making a name through how complete a player he is rather than thriving in one specific area.

It’ll be an uphill battle for Hayes to make it in the NBA, but with the desired work ethic, he can round out his skill set and thrive as a contemporary 4.

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