NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Nigel Hayes

Fit with the Bucks

The Bucks are in a great position at forward with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker as the cornerstones of the franchise. As we have seen, Khris Middleton and Tony Snell have also been able to fill in at the small forward spot.

Backup forwards Michael Beasley (free agent) and Mirza Teletovic are able to bring scoring and shooting to Milwaukee, however defensively they have shown up as more of a liability. That’s something the Bucks should look to improve coming off the bench this year.

If Hayes were picked up by Milwaukee he has the ability to guard both forward positions with his long wing span and overall strength. If he improves the consistency of his jump shot similar to the 40 percent mark of his sophomore year, Hayes could be a special player.

It’s interesting to look back in the Draft Express Mock History and see that Hayes was seen as a mid-first round pick just two years ago, to now being considered as an undrafted prospect.

For the Bucks, picking at 48th in the second round, I think they will pass on drafting Hayes. Still, it’d make a lot of sense to be the first call to Hayes’ agent to bring him in as an undrafted signing.

Next: NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Frank Mason III

I would like to see Hayes suit up on the Summer League roster and be given the opportunity to work with the new G-League team in Oshkosh. Don’t be surprised if Hayes could work his way on to a Bucks roster — even if not the NBA one — in the near future.