With the 2020 NBA draft less than one month away, it’s time to take a closer look at projected lottery pick combo guard Killian Hayes.
As teams scramble around doing whatever they can to get ready for the most perplexing NBA draft in my lifetime, we will be taking a closer look at some of the top prospects in the upcoming draft here at hoops habit. Among the top prospects and one of my personal favorites this year, 6’5″ guard Killian Hayes of the German Basketball Bundesliga (G-BBL).
ESPN has Killian Hayes ranked as the third-best point guard and the ninth overall prospect in the 2020 NBA draft. Hoops Habit’s very own Corey Rausch projects him to be drafted seventh by the Detroit Pistons in his latest mock draft.
In a sit down with Mike Schmitz of ESPN, Hayes credits Milos Tsedocic and studying his film for his seemingly innate abilities in the pick and roll. He also studies his favorite players Dwyane Wade and Manu Ginobili, as well as other accomplished lefties.
Hayes decided it was time for a new challenge after turning pro at 16 years old and playing two seasons in France’s top professional basketball league. He moved to Germany and became the starting point guard for Ratiopharm Ulm in the country’s top basketball league.
Now he’s ready for the next challenge of his young basketball career, entering the 2020 NBA Draft.
As you will see below from his 2019-2020 statistics, he won’t wow you in the box score on most nights, but the tape will tell you the real story. Many people are not fans of the eye test, but Hayes checks off almost every box and is oozing with potential.
2020 NBA Draft Profile
Name: Killian Hayes
Height: 6’5” (6’8” wingspan)
Weight: 200 pounds
Position: Guard
International prospect: France
NBA Comparison: D’Angelo Russell
2019-2020 statistics
11.6 PPG
2.8 RPG
5.4 APG
1.5 STL
48.2 FG%
29.4 3P%
87.6 FT%
At just 19 years old, Hayes is far from a finished product. Let’s take a look at his strengths, weaknesses, and overall outlook.