Height/Weight: 6’9/ 210
Wingspan/ standing reach: Unknown
Position: PF/C
College: Florida
Tools: Motor, weakside defense
Pros:
- Has an excellent motor
- Good shot blocker- elite helpside defender
- Can switch onto guards and move well laterally
- High character and has been praised for attitude in past
- Long arms
- Finishes well at the rim
Cons:
- Undersized at 6’9
- Needs to put on weight
- Lacks post moves- limited offensively
- Bad hands
Overall: Kevarrius Hayes is an energy big who will provide excellent help defense and emphatic blocks. You won’t see Hayes give less than 100% effort, but he does have his limitations. He is a hard worker with great character that will be given a shot in the NBA through summer league and training camp. Hayes is quick to find a man to box out, and has outstanding instincts in rim protection. His shot block timing is elite, he can play above the rim on offense, and be effective in the pick & roll on both ends of the floor.
NBA Comparison: Salah Mejri
Projected draft range: Undrafted
Fit with Mavericks:
Hayes has similar qualities to current Maverick Salah Mejri: athletic and long, excellent shot blocker, plays with high energy, but is quite limited offensively. Mejri served a key role in his first two seasons protecting the rim, and Hayes is fully capable of fulfilling that role, even being undersized. He would be a great defensive compliment to Maxi Kleber, but a lineup with both Kleber and Hayes would need shooters and shot creators only around them. Defensively, while sacrificing some size, the middle would be a difficult place to attack. Hayes would be best in a 10-15 minute per game role, which is perfect for Rick Carlisle’s big man rotations.
