NBA Draft Prospects: Gordon Hayward, Butler

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Stats: 15.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 29.3% 3PT

Size:

• Listed: 6'8", 200 lb, 20 yrs old
  
• Combine: 6'8" (with shoes), 211 lb, 6'7 3/4" (wingspan)
  

About Him: Gordon Hayward decided to forego his final two years of eligibility to enter the NBA Draft after leading the Butler Bulldogs on an impropable run through the NCAA Tournament. Hayward was the go-to option and, for the most part, the star for Butler, who came within inches of pulling off one of the greatest upsets in NCAA Tournament history. Seeing as his stock was as high as it would ever get, he made the jump.

As a prospect, Hayward does not have the ceiling of someone like a Paul George or an Al-Farouq Aminu. As an athlete, his tools are fairly limited. His wingspan is actually less than his height, he's not an overly explosive guy, and he doesn't have the lateral quickness or the strength of a lot of guys at this position. He's not a kid that relies on his natural gifts in order to be an effective player.

Hayward does have a very high basketball IQ, however. He understands the game and how to be effective despite his physical limitations. As a freshman, most off Hayward's offense came off of his ability to shoot, whether it was knocking down a catch-and-shoot jumper or taking advantage of a defender closing out long. He has a pretty quick first step and is a capable ball-handler when slashing to the basket.

A big concern for a lot of NBA people is going to be the decline in Hayward's three-point shooting percentage -- he dropped below 30% for the season -- but that number is misleading. For starters, Hayward is at his best when he can be a catch-and-shoot kind of player, and seeing as Butler lacked a real playmaker, he did not get a ton of open looks this past season. When he did, they came as a result of his ability to use a screen; he moves very well without the ball and understands how to v-cut and set up the man guarding him. His shooting ability was no secret this season, and teams forced Hayward to put the ball on the floor.

This forced Hayward to show off a bit more of his all-around game, which he has in his arsenal. He looked much better in the mid-range this season, knocking down quite a few tough pull-up jumpers. He has also developed an excellent step-back jumper which he can hit out to the three point line. His handle is ever improving -- Hayward was a guard before a growth spurt in high school -- and was actually considered at asset at the college level given his size.

While he's not going to be dunking over many players in the league, Hayward actually developed into a pretty good finisher around the rim. He has tremendous coordination and body control, and as he continues to put on strength, he has been better at absorbing contact. He's active on the glass as well, showing willingness to get into the paint and hit the offensive glass.

The biggest question mark is on the defensive end. Butler was arguably the best half-court defensive team in the country by the end of last season, but Hayward's ability as a 1-on-1 defender has been questioned. He's not incredibly quick laterally, has relatively short arms, and he still needs to add some strength to his frame. In college, Willie Veasley usually matched up with the best player at the three or four spot, while Hayward would defend the other. That was in the Horizon League. He's going to be defending twos and threes in the NBA. That is a big step up.

Comparison:

• Best Case Scenario: Somewhere between a Mike Miller, a Mike Dunleavy, and a John Salmons.
  
• Worst Case Scenario: Adam Morrison, buried on a bench somewhere.
  

Outlook: At Butler, Hayward was asked to do a lot of things he isn't going to need to do in the NBA. He isn't going to be the main shot creator. He's not going to be the focal point of an offense. He's going to be a role player, which fits his skill set perfectly. If he can refind that jump shot, he will spread the floor. He's a good enough and smart enough scorer to be effective as a complimentary option, and will be dangerous with his well-rounded offensive arsenal. Unlike a lot of players in this draft, his effectiveness as a pro is going to be determined by his ability to defend. Will he be able to guard someone like a Paul Pierce or Danny Granger? If he can, than I can see Hayward ending up as a guy that averages 11-13 ppg and knocks down 40% of his threes. That's not bad for someone projected to go somewhere in the 12-20 range.

Highlights: