New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Mock Draft, Sweet 16 edition

Age: 18
Height, Weight: 6-foot-11, 220 pounds
Slash Line: .728/.000/.748
Season Averages: 10.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.2 BPG

The Utah Jazz have maybe the NBA’s best defensive center, Rudy Gobert, manning the paint. Their frontcourt depth could lack by the offseason, however, with Derrick Favors‘ contract not guaranteed before July 6, Tony Bradley not as a factor and Ekpe Udoh on an expiring deal.

By the summer, replenishing depth will become necessary. It can start with the draft, and while Jaxson Hayes is a developmental pick, he adds a youthful presence and the Jazz front office can add veterans in free agency.

Hayes is a shot-blocking talent for the Texas Longhorns, with 2.2 swats in 23.3 minutes per game. Attribute that to a 7-foot-3 wingspan, and this should translate to the next level, potentially making this a pick even higher than 19th to the Jazz.

Offense is a long-term development for Hayes, who could use G-League time to hone his back-to-the-basket skills and work on an outside shot; he did not take any in Austin.

If not, Hayes may need a slow-burn development off the bench. The Jazz, depending on what they do in free agency, can provide that.

For a bigger body with less upside, Naz Reid makes sense here.

The New York Knicks, as noted, do not need another big man, but Hayes’ shot-blocking potential has glimpses of Mitchell Robinson.