3. Killian Hayes
We stay overseas for our next prospect. But we go from Israel to Germany to find Killian Hayes; a 6’5” point guard born in America but raised in France. His father, DeRon Hayes played overseas so Killian has been exposed to the game all his life. The lefty began his pro career at 16 in France before heading to Germany this past season to play for ratiopharm Ulm.
Significant about Ulm is they play in the Basketball Bundesliga, the top league in Germany. There, Hayes put up 12.8 points and doled out 6.2 assists per contest for Ulm. He has been billed as a tremendous iso player as highlighted by his canning 42 percent of his triples off the dribble.
Another lefty, Hayes has a knack for operating the screen game and out of the pick and roll. His 6’8” wingspan underscores his crossover and he is a capable scorer on all three levels.
The modern NBA point guard has to have at least some tools in his offensive bag and Hayes is viewed as having them all. He will give defenders fits at the next level, not only with ball-screens and such but also with sound handles and that wide crossover.
"“The step-back jumper is all about creating space and Hayes has all the dribble moves to set it up, as well as the balance and technically sound footwork to get his feet under him for a controlled attempt. As NBA defences continue to get more advanced it’s going to be players that are comfortable improvising and creating shots for themselves that will thrive and Hayes looks to have those skills.” – per Eric Fawcett/NBA.com"
Chicago has players who can do the iso thing in LaVine and Coby White. But neither of them excel as playmakers setting up their teammates.
It’s that blend that makes Hayes so appealing to a team like the Bulls and many others. Like Scrubb, Hayes has done a video interview with the Knicks. His name has also been linked to both the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Quick thread from a Killian Hayes game in January, starting with this sharp change of direction move to the rim pic.twitter.com/RfPYZXQ5o1
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) May 5, 2020
Not solely reliant on his length, Hayes is listed at 210 pounds and scouts say he has the frame to put on even more weight. They do question whether that will cost him some explosiveness; something that could be crucial for a guy that isn’t an elite athlete as is. Combined with a wavering focus on defense and we could see him struggle to get on the floor early on.
NBC Sports compared Hayes to a player profiled here before for the Bulls, Tyrese Haliburton. They note that Haliburton is probably the more well-rounded (and NBA-ready) player, but that Hayes likely has the higher ceiling. He will also have to work on his off-hand.
Our dance around Europe, or the guard position, doesn’t stop here. Next, we Israel and a player drawing lofty comparisons.