While it didn’t seem like the Chicago Bulls were all that interested in adding another premier big in the draft lottery, we heard the rumors about the former Texas Longhorns freshman sensation center Jaxson Hayes. Falling to the Atlanta Hawks at No. 8 or 10 or to the Charlotte Hornets at 12 is more realistic for Hayes.
The large amount of growth that Hayes would need to undergo and the growing pains he had with the Longhorns are both reasons why the Bulls should stay away. Sure Hayes has a high ceiling as a very long and athletic center that can rim protect and live above the rim, he experienced a ton of foul trouble and inability to space the floor at Texas.
Hayes posted an insane number of blocks (5.7), fouls (8.6), and rebounds (12.9), per 100 possessions. The defensive rating Hayes registered at Texas wasn’t so great either, below 97. Mainly, the Bulls should have better options at point guard and on the wing to go with than Hayes.
Why the Bulls should keep away from Hayes is obvious. Carter Jr. and Markkanen already fill out the frontcourt, and it could take a long time to develop him. Hayes doesn’t have the strength or offensive arsenal to thrive immediately in the NBA. He also needs to work on his defensive awareness more to keep out of foul trouble in the NBA.