Who would win a Raptors-only track-and-field day? How good is Amir Johnson’s Celine Dion impression? When was the last time Dwane Casey cried at the movies? Every day until the season starts, we throw a Raptor in front of a green screen and ask him the tough questions. Today, Chuck Hayes wants to know what you’re thinking.
Know Your Raptors: Lou Williams | Kyle Lowry | Bruno Caboclo | Chuck Hayes | Jonas Valanciunas | Amir Johnson | Tyler Hansbrough | Landry Fields | Terrence Ross | James Johnson | Patrick Patterson | Lucas Nogueira | DeMar DeRozan | Greivis Vasquez | Dwane Casey
Take a glance at Chuck Hayes’s 2013-14 statline and it might not be clear what he brings to a Raptors’ frontcourt rotation in which the majority of minutes are destined to be split between Amir Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas and Patrick Patterson. Take a glance at his measurements and it might not be clear how a guy listed at six-foot-six could have possibly played 12.8 minutes per game at centre in the NBA last season. But Chuck Hayes is worth more than a glance.
The 10-year vet didn’t see a ton of court time for the Raptors last season, but when he did, it was often at crucial moments. Despite giving up half a foot or more to most of his opponents, Hayes is one of the league’s most dependable post defenders. Whenever Valanciunas or Johnson was getting beat up badly down low, Hayes checked in and put out the fire. Toronto allowed 102.9 points per 100 possessions with Hayes on the bench in 2013-14 and 100.3 with him in the game—roughly the difference between Miami’s 11th-ranked defence and San Antonio’s unit, which ranked fourth.
Hayes will play a similar role this season, providing a steadying, veteran presence both on the court and off it.
2013–14 Stats (with Toronto): 2.2 Pts/G, 3.6 Reb/G, 0.6 Ast/G, 0.2 Blk/G, 42.9 FG%, 12.8 Min/G