2019 NBA Draft: Goga Bitadze vs. Jaxson Hayes for Atlanta Hawks
By Dallin Duffy
Size
The two have nearly identical sizes as Hayes is 6’11 with a 7’3.5 wingspan while Bitadze is 6’11 with 7’2, but Bitadze is listed as 31 pounds heavier than Hayes, which could lead to injury and stamina issues down the road.
It’s hard to declare a winner however the weight is the differentiating factor, and both use it in different ways.
Bitadze uses his massive frame to back down defenders and set rock-solid picks, while Hayes gets out and runs, both offensively and defensively.
The Edge: Tie
Hot. 4 Terrific 3-Point Shooters for Hawks in 2019 NBA Draft. light
Rebounding
This one was surprising, given how we’ve already noted their nearly-identical sizes and the fact that Hayes has more hops, but all numbers indicate Bitadze would be the better professional rebounder.
Goga averaged nearly 10 per 36, with 9.7, while Hayes pulled down 7.7.
Bitadze’s bigger body allows for more natural box-outs, and Hayes often has to rely on his athleticism to nab boards due to the currently spindly nature of his frame.
Both have potential to be backboard cleaners throughout their whole career, but Bitadze is a much more natural banger, and if he gets enough minutes could be a walking double-double with his 10-rebound-average capability.