While LaMelo Ball might be the Knicks’ first choice point guard during this year’s NBA Draft, various NBA sources have revealed that Killian Hayes is also high up on the team’s shortlist.
19-year-old Hayes played in Germany last year with Basketball Bundesliga side Ratiopharm Ulm, before which he represented French League club Cholet. After having his skill levels assessed, the left-hander is rated above other lottery-projected point guards such as Tyrese Haliburton, Kira Lewis, Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton, Theo Maledon, and Tyrese Maxey.
Rashad Phillips, who runs the “SportsTalk 2319” mock draft had the following to say about Hayes: “He’s a great pick-and-roll point guard. He’s a dominant left-handed guard but he has great speed and shift and is a decent shooter.”
With the NBA easing some of their health restrictions, players are now allowed 4 1/2-hour in-person workouts/interviews/medical evaluations. As a result, Hayes has agreed to do a set of private, in-person workouts with one team.
In-person workouts are expected to greatly benefit Hayes, who was not exposed to NCAA basketball like many of his fellow players. Instead of college basketball, Hayes chose to pursue a professional career in Europe.
The NBA Draft takes place on November 18.
