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Nigel Hayes Joining the New York Knicks

By Noah Seligman

Mar 24, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Florida Gators forward Justin Leon (23) during the second half in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Florida Gators forward Justin Leon (23) during the second half in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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After not getting picked in the NBA Draft on Thursday, Nigel Hayes will get his NBA shot with New York

It was not a surprise no Wisconsin Badgers were picked in the NBA Draft.  The NBA tends not to value experience and production so much as youth and potential.

Hayes is a fully formed product and while he has a solid floor, his ceiling is more limited because of that.  NBA teams would rather gamble on young, raw prospects.

Hayes will not be the first former Badger at this position with the Knicks.  Marcus Landry played in 24 games as a reserve for the Knicks in 2009-10.  Landry averaged 2.4 Points and 1.1 Rebounds while averaging 6.4 Minutes/Game.

Ian Begley from ESPN reported that Hayes signed a summer league deal to pursue an NBA career with the New York Knicks.  Jim Polzin from Madison.com also reported this.

Prior to the NBA Draft, Badger of Honor argued that Nigel Hayes would be a fit in New York based on his intelligence, passing, post game, and experience.

Related Story: Top NBA Draft Fits for Nigel Hayes

The Knicks are participating in the NBA Summer League in Orlando from July 1-6. where teams play five games in six days.

That compressed timeline does not give Hayes much of an opportunity for a memorable initial impression.  These formats are always tricky because there is precious little time in advance of, or during the event, to build much chemistry with brand new teammates.  Hopefully the Knicks are wise enough to rely on something more than standard statistics.  Of course, there is little evidence from the last several years that the Knicks have that capacity.

Hayes could fit in New York at either a small forward in a big lineup or a power forward in a smaller quintet.  The Knicks have six players currently under contract, three apiece at each position.  One small forward and one power forward hit restricted free agency in 2018. Carmelo Anthony is an unrestricted free agent in 2019 along with restricted free agency for Marshall Plumlee and Kristaps Porzingis.  Among the free agents over the next seasons, only Porzingis is somebody the Knicks would certainly retain despite some trade whispers for him of late.

Related Story: Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes at the 2017 NBA Combine

One area Hayes can help the Knicks with most directly is post scoring.  Even as a freshman at Wisconsin, Hayes demonstrated a mature postgame.  It wasn’t until his sophomore year he started attempting shots outside the paint.  Last season the Knicks ranked 25th in “Points in the Paint” (PITP) with 40.4/Game and 26th in PITP per 100 Possessions.   Hayes’ variety of post moves will be an addition to the Knicks.  His ability to score inside and complement Porzingis will be critical for Hayes’ sticking in New York.  Of course, Porzingis won’t be in NBA Summer League so that partnership won’t be witnessed there.  Hayes needs to demonstrate his interior passing and defensive chops to guard multiple positions to give the Knicks a reason to keep him around.