Is Hayward better than Davis or Aldritch, etc? I don't think any of them are all that impressive. In this case, the Jazz took the best player that would fit their system the best. I just keep thinking of the Boston Celtics and how intelligent they are and how scrappy they are. Most of their players aren't very athletic yet they've been to the Finals 2 years out of 3.
Hayward is a play-maker and a hard working athlete. I think he has a very nice jumpshot. He's a quick decision maker. The NCAA tournament showed he's not afraid to take the big shot nor is he afraid to play against anyone or any team. He's a kid that just doesn't seem to get rattled. I think he could be a real calming influence on our team. We need someone who isn't afraid of the Lakers, like some of our players are. Yes, we need a big guy, but unless you get a good one there's no point forcing it just for the sake of getting a big guy.
He played 33.5 minutes yet only had 2.3 turnovers. He does need to get stronger and pass the ball a little more (only 1.7 assists). However, I could see him as bigger version of Hornacek mixed with Harpring. I think he'll compliment Deron very well, actually. You need your backcourt to be able to read each other and guess what the other is thinking, sometimes. They're both real smart basketball players that think quickly. I don't see how that can be a bad thing as long as they're able to defend their position and execute the offense, preferably to perfection.
Davis is a good shooter and athlete but not nearly as sharp as Hayward. Xavier Henry was the only other guy that I thought seemed like just as good a fit. Xavier reminds me of maybe Billups or a bigger, slower Rondo. Yet, the only drawback to Xavier, and even Babbit to an extent, was their overconfidence/slight arrogance. Outside of Wall and maybe Turner, Hayward was the only guy that seems to have that inner confidence, as KOC put it. He just knows who he is and isn't afraid of the fans booing him. In reply, he didn't seem to get upset he just said that we probably don't know him as well. In other words, "that's ok I'll just prove to you that I'm worth the 9th pick". I think that's pretty cool. Maybe he's related to the Barry family, particularly Jon?
Overall, I'm optimistic yet I'll let him prove himself first and not get too excited about it. Cuz frankly, the 9th pick is hit and miss. Sometimes you're lucky and a star slips by, but most of the time it's just a solid player that stays in the league a long time. I'd also wait until late July or August before I'd worry about the Jazz. By then, we'll know if they're serious about getting rid of the wusses and replacing them with players with a little fire in their belly.
