If you’re watching the NBA and see a 7-foot-1 guy flying through the air, it’s probably Jaxson Hayes.
The moment he dunked on Kyle Kuzma in the 2020 playoffs, a lot of people realized he was different.
He wasn’t just big; he was athletic in a way that scared a lot of defenders.
But honestly, seeing him on the court is just half the story.
The other half is the rollercoaster of his career—trades, emotional outbursts, and a game that keeps evolving.
Who is Jaxson Hayes?
So, let’s start with the basics.
Most people know him for his height, which is listed at 7 feet 1 inch. Now think about that for a second.
That’s huge.
But in the modern NBA, being tall isn’t enough.
You gotta be able to move.
Jaxson checks that box.
He played college basketball at Texas before the New Orleans Pelicans picked him 10th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Jaxson Hayes Physical Profile: Height & Vertical
I’ve always been curious about how physical athletes actually are compared to what the NBA websites say. Now think about that for a second.
From what I’ve seen on court, Jaxson Hayes’ vertical leap is legit.
Most reports hover around the 38-40 inch mark, maybe even a little more when he gets a running start.
- Height: 7 feet 1 inch (214 cm)
- Weight: Around 230 lbs (104 kg)
- Position: Center
- Vertical Jump: Roughly 38-40 inches
That height combined with that bounce makes him a nightmare for guards.
He doesn’t just block shots; he alters them. Now think about that for a second.
But it’s not just about blocks.
He’s a rim runner.
He gets the ball, sprints to the basket, and finishes above the rim. But there’s a catch.
It’s beautiful to watch if you like high-flying plays.
Jaxson Hayes Career Stats: A Quick Look
Talking numbers is boring, but they tell the truth.
Jaxson has improved his scoring each year, even if he’s not a primary option yet. Oddly enough,
His best season, statistically, was with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged around 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
That’s a solid year for a young big man.
He also brings value on the defensive end.
His rebounding numbers are decent for his position, and his shot-blocking stats are usually in the top tier for young centers.
You can check his detailed season-by-season breakdowns here.
Jaxson Hayes Career Highs
- Points in a Game: 30
- Rebounds in a Game: 15
- Blocks in a Game: 6
The Trade Saga: Pelicans to Mavericks and Lakers
Let’s be real, Jaxson’s career hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Now think about that for a second.
He had a bit of a rocky relationship with the Pelicans front office.
There were some rumors about him not fitting the system perfectly, which led to him being traded.
He went from New Orleans to the Dallas Mavericks in a deal that also involved JJ Barea and others.
Then, he was on the move again to the Los Angeles Lakers.
I think what a lot of people overlook is the pressure these young guys face.
Playing for different teams every year is tough mentally. Now think about that for a second.
It messes with your rhythm.
But for Jaxson, it’s been an opportunity to prove he belongs in the playoffs.
His game in the 2020 playoffs really showed what he could do when the lights were brightest.
Off-Court Incidents and Emotional Outbursts
Remember the viral video? The one where he threw a chair? Yeah, that happened. But there’s a catch.
It was during the 2020 playoffs.
He was ejected for throwing a folding chair into the crowd after a technical foul call.
It was ugly.
It wasn’t his proudest moment, but honestly, it showed how passionate he is.
Some guys check out when they’re frustrated; Jaxson gets mad.
Does this matter? Maybe.
Teams value character, sure.
But they also value that same passion when he’s blocking shots.
It’s a double-edged sword.
He’s working on controlling it, obviously.
A lot of people thought that incident might ruin his career, but he’s bounced back and kept playing hard.
Jaxson Hayes Contract and Salary
Money talks.
Jaxson is on a rookie scale contract right now, but he’s going to be eligible for a max deal soon.
The Pelicans, Lakers, and Mavericks are all thinking about their cap space.
If he keeps putting up these numbers and developing his mid-range game, he’s going to be expensive.
The market for elite shot-blockers is always high.
What to Expect Next for Jaxson Hayes?
So, where does he go from here? I honestly think he needs a home for a few years to really grow.
The Lakers are a good spot because the ball moves fast, and he gets to play with other high-flying guys.
If he can improve his free-throw shooting and his face-up game, he’s going to be a nightmare for years to come.
Most people just see the blocks.
But if you watch the film, you see a guy who understands spacing.
He’s a smart player when he’s not angry.
If he can channel that energy into good things, his ceiling is incredibly high.
Final Thoughts
Being 7-foot-1 and able to jump out of the gym is rare.
Jaxson Hayes has the physical tools that scouts love.
The question is always mental.
Can he stay consistent? Can he handle the media? For now, he’s still one of the most exciting young big men in the league.
We’ll just have to see if he can turn that potential into a championship pedigree.
It’s going to be fun watching him.
If you are looking to keep up with his latest performances, checking his daily updates on NBA stats sites is a good idea.
Image source: pexels.com
Image source credit: pexels.com