Three reasons the Cavs should select Killian Hayes in 2020 NBA Draft
By Zane Harris
Reason #2 to draft Hayes: His professional experience
Killian Hayes has impressively played professionally in a slew of professional basketball leagues overseas since he was only sixteen years old. In his three seasons playing overseas, of which before he was with Espoirs Cholet/Cholet Basket in France’s LNB Espoirs/the Jeep Elite League, his game has vastly improved every year he has played.
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In his first stint in the pros in the Jeep Elite League, he only averaged 2.2 points and 1.2 assists per game. Now, in his third year as a pro, now with Ratiopharm Ulm in Eurocup play, he had averaged 12.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, according to Real GM.
This is similar to the competition that current NBA superstar Luca Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks faced before he ended up in the pros. Both players even started playing at sixteen.
It is a stretch to seriously think that the next Luka Doncic could make his way to the Cleveland Cavaliers, however, the thought of Cleveland drafting a player high in the lottery straight from European play should not be completely shut down.
On top of this, the core pieces that make up Cleveland’s roster are some of the youngest in the league.
As a result of this, Cleveland could become one of if not the youngest team in the NBA once the team hopefully moves on from its current veterans. Plus, for instance, the expiring Tristan Thompson is reportedly likely to be playing elsewhere next season, and Kevin Love should eventually be dealt so the Cavs can fully lean into a rebuild really centered on the growth of young players.
Additionally, on a team like this, young leadership and maturity in the locker room will be crucial for the them to succeed.
With Hayes already spending three years in the pros surrounded by grown men and seasoned veterans, he would make for an amazing leader to bring the Cavaliers into the next stage of their rebuild, going from one of the worst teams in the league to one or two players away from being a contender.
The third reason why the Cavaliers should select Hayes if he’s available at their pick in the 2020 NBA Draft relates to a world of potential fire power for a young backcourt.