The New Orleans Pelicans made a big move last season when they traded their star player, Anthony Davis, to the Los Angeles Lakers. This trade not only brought in some promising young players, but it also opened up opportunities for others to step up and fill the void left by Davis. One player who did just that was Jaxson Hayes.
Hayes, a rookie out of the University of Texas, was drafted eighth overall by the Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft. He had shown flashes of potential during his college career, but many were unsure if he was ready to make an impact at the professional level. However, with the departure of Davis, Hayes was given the chance to prove himself as the team’s starting center.
And boy, did he deliver.
Hayes quickly made a name for himself as an athletic and energetic player on both ends of the court. He showed great potential as a rim protector, using his 7-foot frame and impressive wingspan to block shots and alter opponents’ shots. His high-flying dunks and alley-oops also became a regular occurrence, exciting Pelicans fans and his teammates alike.
But it wasn’t just his physical abilities that impressed. Hayes also showed a high basketball IQ, reading the game well and making smart decisions on the court. He was a great pick-and-roll partner for his teammates and had a good understanding of defensive rotations. These qualities made him a valuable asset to the team.
As the season progressed, Hayes continued to improve and gain confidence. He put up impressive numbers, averaging 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. He also shot an impressive 66.4% from the field, showing his efficiency and effectiveness on the offensive end.
But perhaps the most significant moment of Hayes’ rookie season came in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that now had Anthony Davis on their roster. In this game, Hayes had a career-high 20 points, along with 10 rebounds, and led his team to a victory over the Lakers. It was a statement game for the young center, proving that he could hold his own against one of the league’s best players.
Unfortunately, Hayes’ impressive run as the team’s starting center came to an end in the playoffs. The Pelicans, who had secured a spot in the NBA bubble, were eliminated in the first round by the eventual champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. In the playoffs, Hayes saw his minutes decrease, and he was mostly used as a backup to veteran center Derrick Favors.
While it may have been disappointing for Hayes to see his playing time reduced, it was not a reflection of his performance. The playoffs are a different beast, and coaches often opt for more experienced players in crucial moments. However, this experience will only motivate Hayes to work even harder and prove himself in the future.
Despite his decreased role in the playoffs, Hayes’ rookie season was a success. He showed tremendous growth and potential, and his performance as the team’s starting center after the Anthony Davis trade was nothing short of impressive. He has proven that he is more than capable of being a key player for the Pelicans in the future.
Looking ahead, Hayes will continue to develop and refine his game. With the Pelicans’ young core of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball, he has a great opportunity to grow and succeed in the league. And with his work ethic and determination, there is no doubt that he will continue to make an impact for the Pelicans.
In conclusion, Jaxson Hayes played some of the best basketball of his career as the team’s starting center after the Anthony Davis trade. He showed great potential and promise, and his rookie season was a success. While his minutes may have dried up in the playoffs, it should not take away from his impressive performance throughout the season. The future is bright for Hayes, and he is undoubtedly a player to watch out for in the coming years.
