New Orleans Pelicans: How each rookie fits into the rotation

Jaxson Hayes, No. 8 overall pick (Texas)

Jaxson Hayes opened some eyes during the Las Vegas Summer League with his high-flying athleticism.  The Texas product shot up draft boards as the season went on, displaying his athleticism along with his ability to stretch the floor in the mid-range.

Hayes has tremendous hands and is able to catch lobs thrown anywhere near the hoop. The New Orleans Pelicans selected Hayes to potentially serve as a complement to Zion Williamson in the frontcourt.

These are long-term plans for Hayes, however. In his first season, it may take some time for him to make a huge impact.

NBA scouts see the potential force that Hayes can become.  An important aspect of Hayes’ game that could boost his minutes will be his ability to rebound and defend.

Hayes is very good at showing and recovering in the pick and roll and should be able to recover well using his length and speed.  Another important part of Hayes’ game on the defensive end is his ability to switch onto guards in the pick and roll.

At Texas, he showed that he has the lateral quickness and foot speed to hold his own when guarding smaller guards on the perimeter.  If Hayes’ can prove that he can do this at the NBA level, he will be a valuable asset for the Pelicans on the defensive end.

Hayes has the potential to become an immediate contributor in the Pelicans’ rotation.  With Jahlil Okafor and Derrick Favors being the only true bigs on the team, look for Hayes to get many opportunities early on for the Pelicans.

There will be growing pains, as there is for almost every rookie in the NBA, but Hayes has a chance to be an important piece for this young Pelicans roster.  The athletic rim-running Hayes should fit in perfectly with the way the run-and-gun Pelicans will look to play.