Atlanta Hawks Mock Draft After the Trade Deadline

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Jaxson Hayes (#10) Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

#5 Jaxson Hayes

In our previous mock draft, we had the Atlanta Hawks selecting Jaxson Hayes out of Texas with the 10th overall pick, but since that time many outlets, NBA writers and draft gurus have increased their stock in Hayes and pushed him slightly higher up on boards.

While this might be a bit of a stretch to take Hayes this high up in the draft, we know that Hawks General Manager Travis Schlenk is willing to perform a few shenanigans in this range – as his Luka Doncic/Trae Young trade would indicate during last year’s draft.

Hayes’s shot-blocking and rim-running profile make him one of the most prototypical centers in the draft, though his fluid footwork and immense wingspan and hand size all combine to create a tantalizing prospect that might be worth a Top 5 pick if the Hawks are unable to move up in the lottery.

According to KenPom, Hayes has the sixth-highest offensive rating in the country at 135.7 due to his penchant for finishing off lobs and using his length and craftiness around the basket to get incredibly easy looks.

No one trick pony, Hayes’s 12.1 percent block rate ranks 10th in the country according to KenPom, meaning the Hawks might be able to fill their natural center need on both offense and defense with one draft selection.

Hayes is also only 18 years old, only turning 19 after the draft has been completed. A high-upside selection, Hayes would be a good fit for this team going forward.