Utah Jazz: Four point guard options in the 2019 NBA Draft
By Josh Padmore
Ashton Hagans
Aston Hagans is way ahead of schedule on the defensive end, but has a long way to go to become effective on the offensive end. That being said, I think he’d be a great project for the Jazz to develop.
His defense is top notch. This season with Kentucky, Hagans is averaging two steals per game in his 26 minute per game role. That’s good for over three per game per 36 minutes. Hagans picks up full court and tries his best to make it a nightmare night for his opposition. He doesn’t back down from anyone. He’s taken over games with his defense, that’s how good he is.
As I noted, his offense is way behind his defense. He’s only averaging seven points per game and is shooting a really rough 19 percent from three. His shot is a glaring weakness. He sort of makes up for it inside the arc, as he shoots 52 percent from two-point range.
I’ve seen Patrick Beverley comparisons for Hagans, which is great. Beverley is a knockdown shooter, though. Personally, I’d compare him to Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics. Smart’s shot has drastically improved, but he’s not a knockdown shooter yet. Smart does all the little things and does whatever it takes to win, as does Hagans. I love Smart’s game and I love Hagans’ as well.
If he declares for the draft, Hagans is currently expected to be picked late in the 1st round or early in the 2nd round. I think he could be a diamond in the rough for a team. Tenacious is a word I’d use to describe the 19-year old Freshman from Kentucky.