NBA: Way-too-early All-Rookie Team predictions for 2019-20

Center: Jaxson Hayes, New Orleans Pelicans

Jaxson Hayes might be the safest bet out of the whole 2019 draft class on making the First-Team. The only players vying for the same spot on the Pelicans roster is Derrick Favors and Jahlil Okafor. Hayes offers the most upside out of the two and complements the other parts of the roster better. Imagine the Lonzo Ball pick-and-roll lobs to Hayes. Lobs that might end careers for the opposing player.

Hayes joins a long list of big men from Texas in the NBA – a pedigree of big men that have been successful or on the cusp of becoming something special. Hayes is really something special as he was the 2018-19 Big 12 Freshman of the Year, a conference loaded with freshman talent. Hayes came out of high school ranked 89th in the 2018 class but has already skyrocketed ahead of the majority of those players.

The impact of Hayes on the Pelicans will push them into fringe playoff contenders for right now. He will anchor the defense alongside Williamson creating hard opportunities for opponents to score around the rim. He and Williamson are Lob City 2.0 with Ball throwing oops.

Right now Hayes is still developing an offensive game but he has already foreshadowed what he is capable of with a 28-point outing in his debut summer league game. Pencil in Hayes for All-Rookie First Team and in the future, All-Defensive recognition.