New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Nigel Hayes signing

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BUFFALO, NY – MARCH 18: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers is trapped by the defense of the Villanova Wildcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 18, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Physical Profile

In the modern NBA, physical measurements are as valuable as ever before—the expectations have simply changed for what that entails. The physical profile of a prototypical forward isn’t what it used to be, which makes the former standards fair to overlook.

In the case of New York Knicks forward Nigel Hayes, his physical profile is as good a reason as any to be intrigued by his potential.

At the 2017 NBA Draft Combine, Hayes was measured at just under 6’8″ with a 254-pound frame. He appeared to be leaner at Summer League, and should play his NBA career quite comfortably in the 235 to 245 range.

Hayes also has a massive 7’3.25″ wingspan, a standing reach that’s been measured as wide as 8’11.5″, and a respectable vertical for a player built in the way he is.

Hayes’ power is something that he learned how to use to his advantage during his collegiate career. At the next level, the key will be getting down to a lighter weight and thus becoming more agile—a necessary development for his defense against the pick and roll.

There’s still work to be done, but Hayes is a strong work ethic away from having a nightly mismatch of a physical profile.