Hayward Question

[Dr. Jones]

I'm sure I'll get a very good explanation to this as most everyone on here agrees Hayward is/should be a 2 ...

But why is that a foregone conclusion? I only ask because, to me, he is just as suitable at SF.

 

[Qman]

I'm sure I'll get a very good explanation to this as most everyone on here agrees Hayward is/should be a 2 ...

But why is that a foregone conclusion? I only ask because, to me, he is just as suitable at SF.

He can guard 2's and he has a size advantage on the other end. He doesn't have the power to play around the hoop as much as you would like small forward to do. At the 3's he is a just an average player. Also we have more players who are better suited to play the 3.

 

[Jerry Lundegaard]

He can guard 2's and he has a size advantage on the other end. He doesn't have the power to play around the hoop as much as you would like small forward to do. At the 3's he is a just an average player. Also we have more players who are better suited to play the 3.

Agreed fully. I know I'm one of the lone CJ supporters around here, but I'm confident he's going to continue to get stronger and hopefully takes that next step defensively. But I think Gordon is awesome guarding opposing 2's.

 

[LogGrad98]

Hayward has a lethal combination to be an elite defender at the 2: he is long and quick. That is how he gave Kobe fits in that game. He is long enough to get on top of a shot and quick enough with solid lateral movement to recover and stay in front of his man. His lack of strength makes him more of a long 2 than a 3, but I think with time and with adding some muscle he could easily be a fully capable swing man.

 

[Dr. Jones]

Hayward has a lethal combination to be an elite defender at the 2: he is long and quick. That is how he gave Kobe fits in that game. He is long enough to get on top of a shot and quick enough with solid lateral movement to recover and stay in front of his man. His lack of strength makes him more of a long 2 than a 3, but I think with time and with adding some muscle he could easily be a fully capable swing man.

Agree with all of that.

 

[Beantown]

It's so obvious, he doesn't have the strength to guard the 3. Lebron, Granger, Durant, Wallace, etc.

It's really that simple.

 

[sepanol]

he is 2 , cuz he can guard kobe better than lebron

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

It's so obvious, he doesn't have the strength to guard the 3. Lebron, Granger, Durant, Wallace, etc.

It's really that simple.

Agreed. Carmello, Pierce, the list goes on and on. Too many guys with big bodies would have their way with him. Plus he has T-Rex arms and has a poor wingspan to play/defend the 3.

He's a 2.

 

[vslice02]

I like Hayward at SG because of his improving 3pt shot and his terrific ball-handling and passing skills. Combine that with his size at 6-8 and I think he'll be a top-12 SG in this league within a couple of years.

When I envision this Jazz team developing into a playoff team - I think they need a SF with the ability to score in 1-on-1 situations. Now if Utah somehow managed to get an Austin Rivers - I'd be fine w/Hayward playing SF but a 3 who can create his own shots in late-game situations is the big piece I hope this team can add within the next 2 drafts.

 

[Gyp Rosetti]

I like Hayward at SG because of his improving 3pt shot and his terrific ball-handling and passing skills. Combine that with his size at 6-8 and I think he'll be a top-12 SG in this league within a couple of years.

When I envision this Jazz team developing into a playoff team - I think they need a SF with the ability to score in 1-on-1 situations. Now if Utah somehow managed to get an Austin Rivers - I'd be fine w/Hayward playing SF but a 3 who can create his own shots in late-game situations is the big piece I hope this team can add within the next 2 drafts.

Derrick Williams anyone?

 

[NUMBERICA]

he is long

He is not. His wingspan is shorter than his height in shoes. He isn't that athletic either, quite pedestrian in that regard. Because of these factors, it's a testament to his intelligence, instincts, and commitment to defense. Those things matter, and if Hayward keeps working like he has he will be one of the most versatile players in the league.

I don't know if Hayward really works as a full-time 2 for the same reasons I don't think Millsap works as a full-time 3; speed. I think Hayward's true NBA position will be 3, but that doesn't mean he can't play 2. I don't think it's important to get a SF for sake of getting a SF in this draft. But since the SG field is thin and there seem to be a glut of SF candidates, then drafting one seems natural if we want to see how Hayward as a 2 works out.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Hayward has a lethal combination to be an elite defender at the 2: he is long and quick. That is how he gave Kobe fits in that game. He is long enough to get on top of a shot and quick enough with solid lateral movement to recover and stay in front of his man. His lack of strength makes him more of a long 2 than a 3, but I think with time and with adding some muscle he could easily be a fully capable swing man.

You have got to be kidding me? He will never be an elite defender. NEVER. That is not to say he can be an ok to above average defender, but never elite.