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New York Knicks: Breaking down every player on Summer League roster

By Maxwell Ogden

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Ntilikina of France is introduced as the number eight overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Ntilikina of France is introduced as the number eight overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) dunks the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) dunks the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Nigel Hayes

Position: Forward
Age: 22 (12/16/1994)
Experience: Rookie
2016-17 Slash Line (College): .457/.314/.587
2016-17 Season Averages (College): 32.4 MPG, 14.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 3PM

Key Strengths

  • 7’3.25″ wingspan
  • Passing ability
  • Defensive versatility
  • Role player potential
  • Intangibles

Key Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent shooter
  • Isolation offense
  • Undersized for the 4
  • Rebounding

Analysis

The New York Knicks are taking a chance on a player who could either find his niche as a do-it-all forward or become lost in the mix as a tweener. Nigel Hayes has the tools to be a high-quality contributor, but he also lacks an offensive identity.

Undersized for the 4 and not quite skilled enough to consistently play the 3, Hayes is a polarizing prospect with undeniable potential.

Hayes boasts a 7’3.25″ wingspan and a powerful frame that should enable him to defend multiple positions. He’ll need to slim down in order to improve his lateral quickness, but he wore a number of hats during his four-year career at Wisconsin.

Hayes may never be as prolific a defender as Draymond Green, but he fits the modern mold with his ability to defend both perimeter and interior players alike.

Hayes’ true struggle will be finding his identity on the offensive end of the floor. He’s an excellent passer who can operate from the high post, but he’s also an inconsistent shooter who struggles to consistently create in isolation.

This will be something of a project for the Knicks, but if they can get Hayes to commit to a rigorous fitness routine, that alone could drastically improve his value.

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