#12. Charlotte Hornets – Jaxson Hayes
Jaxson Hayes out of Texas has been widely mocked to the Atlanta Hawks with whatever pick the team nets from the Dallas Mavericks via the Luka Doncic trade, but for this writer, there are better options in the latter portion of the lottery.
Though Hayes certainly fills a need for the Atlanta Hawks as a young, rim-running center with shot-blocking instincts and pedigree, we know that Atlanta Hawks GM Travis Schlenk loves shooting, which is something that Hayes has not flashed in his portfolio during his college career.
Hayes shot a solid 74 percent from the free throw line, which is, of course, a good indicator of potential three-point shooting in the future, but his stroke from the line is rather hitchy and features a clear elbow flare before the release.
Really, Hayes will be used as a rim-runner and rim-protector, and the Charlotte Hornets will be glad to nab him with the 14th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
With no real center of the future on the roster, as Cody Zeller and Willy Hernangomez are likely not the team’s solution at the five for years to come, the Hornets will be looking to nab the best player available or find a player that could fit with (or without) Kemba Walker, who might bolt in free agency.