OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: Killian Hayes

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer lists D’Angelo Russell as Manu Ginobili comparable pros to Hayes. The diversity of names thrown around speak to how much potential Hayes has and the uncertainty of how his game will grow and where he’ll glean the most success.

For example, the Ginobili and Kurt Hinrich comparison, suggest more of an all-around team player. Whereas the Russell or Spencer Dinwiddie comparison means some analysts believe he’ll be more of a scorer. Odd, given his initial strengths, lies in his playmaking and defensive abilities.

OKC Thunder fit:

I hinted at this in previous prospect profiles — that there was a guard worthy of Sam Presti moving up to grab. Killian Hayes was that guard. The prospect of pairing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with Killian Hayes has me salivating.

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If you think the three point guard lineup presented issues for opposing defenses then trust me when I say this duo of SGA and Hayes would cause fits. Not only would opponents not know who to key on as the playmaking or shot taker they’d also provide an overwhelming defensive option. Then roll in Luguentz Dort into the mix and the Thunder would have 29 backcourts around the association fearful of every OKC game even this early in the rebuild.

If the current scuttlebutt that Chris Paul may be traded to the Phoenix Suns occurs then suddenly this dream could become a reality. Drafts are always risky in that it’s hard to know which prospects will invest their time to improve, which youngsters still have ample room to grow and whether a specific system would allow for a player to become the best version of themselves.

Hayes is one of the younger prospects in this draft and much like the Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor I became enamored with his ability early. There are others who I like in the draft like Deni Avdija and Tyrell Terry the first for his full game and the latter for his sniper prowess.