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

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on after scoring against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Verizon Center on March 11, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on after scoring against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Verizon Center on March 11, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 19: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers works against Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half of a game at the Kohl Center on February 19, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 19: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers works against Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half of a game at the Kohl Center on February 19, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Positional Versatility

As previously alluded to, Nigel Hayes has a physical profile that’s easy to be impressed by. Ideal measurements are somewhat common in the NBA Draft, but the New York Knicks have found a player who can take that to the next level.

As the NBA transitions to something of a position-less era, Hayes’ ability to fit the prototype of both a small forward and a power forward is beyond ideal.

Hayes may never be a prolific scorer, but his ability to do a bit of everything on the offensive end of the floor enables immediate positional versatility. As previously alluded to, he can go to the post, work off-ball, facilitate the offense, or knock down an open jump shot.

In an era of stretch 4s, that could enable Hayes to fill something of the Lance Thomas role as a subtly influential contributor.

Defensively, it’s fair to believe that Hayes 7’3″ wingspan will hold up against both forward positions. He’ll need to slim down and improve his lateral quickness, but the ability to see minutes at both forward spots is crucial in today’s NBA.

Finding his niche will be a challenge, but Hayes has a good starting point to build from in being positionally versatile.