re: Jaxson Hayes Interview in The Athletic

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f you could use one word to describe what this season has been like for you, what would it be?

Maybe “frustrating.” I’m not sure if that’s the right word. But that’s the first one that comes to mind.

What was the experience like going down to the G League and playing with the Squadron?

It was fun to go play with my guys and be able to hoop. It felt good to get out there and play heavy minutes and really get into the flow of the game. I was able to do some different things and play outside of my role here (with the Pelicans). That was a good experience. I haven’t been playing much recently, so it was great just to get out there and have some fun.

Did the team bring the idea of playing in the G League to you or was it something you suggested?

They brought the idea to me.

And what was your reaction?

I’m just happy to get out there and hoop. Nobody wants to just sit on the side and do nothing. Of course, I’d rather be playing with (the Pelicans) consistently like I was earlier in the year. But I thought playing in the G League was something that could possibly help me. At least it was a chance to show what I can do.

What were those games like for you in the G League? Do you think it helped your game in any way?

It’s a lot different. It kind of feels like summer-league games, honestly. Kind of like AAU, where there’s not many stops, no timeout breaks, not a lot of calls. They kind of let you play. It helps some, playing through the physicality. It was a little easier to get into the flow and get a few more shots off without thinking too much.

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Year 3 is always a big one for guys early in their career. It’s usually the time when guys really start to establish who they’re going to be in the league. How hard is it to be where you are right now, knowing how big this year is for most young guys in their maturation?

It’s a little bit hard, but I know the grass is always greener. I know my talents, I know my skills. I know no matter what happens, I’ll be good either way. I’ve just got to keep doing what I do. I’ve got to stay locked in and make sure I’m worried about myself. I’m not worried about any of the other stuff or the money. I’m just focusing on myself. When they call on me, I want to be ready to show that I can play.

This summer when most of the team was in Nashville, everyone was hearing about how great you were playing and how it looked like you were ready to take it to the next level. What were your expectations coming away from that mini training camp?

In Nashville, I was really just playing my game. I was just trying to hoop and do everything I was working on all summer — working on my shot, working on my defense, blocking shots. I felt really good coming out of there. I thought it was lining up for me to contribute a lot this year. Obviously, that hasn’t happened as of yet.

Do you have a clear vision in your head of how you need to play to reach that next level in your game or is that still evolving?

I don’t think I’m there yet, but I think I know what it looks like for the most part. I can be an elite pick-and-roll player. I can spread the floor by knocking down shots from farther out. I can bring the energy and the scoring. I can control the paint with my defense. I know what I bring to the table. I think a lot of teams know what I can bring to the table.

What do you have to do to take that next step so you can show that you are that type of player?

Opportunity. I need to develop some rhythm. I need to be able to come in and not play, like, two minutes. I feel like if I’m given that time and I can get that rhythm, I’ll be able to produce.

How are you dealing with the mental side of all of this?

Actually, it’s kind of easy on the mental side. I’ve got my dad in New Orleans with me. We talk a lot, and he gets where I’m coming from. My teammates are always supporting me and telling me to keep my head up.

Is your dad the main person you lean on when things get tough? What’s been his message through all of this?

He just always tells me to worry about myself and worry about how I carry myself. You gotta remember this is a business. If you take care of what you’re supposed to do, then everything will work out. People will have their expectations. People will say whatever. But if you’re doing the right things, it’ll show.

You’re a very polarizing figure among the fan base. Is it hard to ignore what people have to say about you and how things have worked out up to this point?

No, I don’t pay attention to any of it. I turn off my comments and all my requests. The only people who can hit me up are the people who I follow. I’ve honestly tried to stay off social media. I haven’t posted much since July. The only time I really ever go on there is to check on family members and look at funny memes.

What made you decide to start staying away from social media as much?

I realized how fake everything was and how much people in our community and people around the world are so caught up in what’s going on with social media. I just got tired of all of it.

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Your name is starting to get thrown around a little bit with trade rumors online. Have you heard about any of that? If so, what’s your reaction?

I haven’t seen much of it. People will tell me about it sometimes, so it’s hard to pretend like it’s not there. But I don’t pay it any mind. I’m just focusing on myself and making myself better. I want to help whatever team I’m playing for — whether it’s the Pelicans, Birmingham or whoever. I want to be the best player I can be.

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Since you arrived in New Orleans, there’s always been this special bond between you, Zion Williamson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. You guys all came in together. What have they been telling you during these tough times?

It’s been really tough, because none of us are really having the year we wanted. I’m not playing right now, Nickeil isn’t shooting the way he knows he can. Z is hurt, so that would weigh on anyone mentally. They’ve both been doing stuff to help me out. The dynamic is the same as it’s always been. We’ll always be there for each other. Those are going to be my guys forever.

We all know how much Zion has been struggling through this injury. What have you two been telling him throughout this process?

It’s crazy, because everyone’s been trying to fry him. I know he’s trying to ignore all that stuff and do what he has to do. When we’re sitting at the game, people are yelling stuff at him. I just tell him, “Bro, they’re just mad because they’re not in your shoes.” That’s all you can tell him. We all know how much he wants to play. He’s doing all he can to get back right. But there’s nothing we can do until he’s healthy. We just have to be there to support him.

What would you say to the Pelicans fans who have been waiting for you to have that breakthrough moment, but they’re not as sure it’s going to happen now?

I would say keep watching. They’ll see. I’ve just got to wait for my opportunity.

Do you feel like that can happen in New Orleans?

If I get the chance, I will. You never know. Right now, I’m not getting the chance. I hope so. I love it here. This has been my home for three years. I’d much rather it happen here than anywhere else. But if it’s not in God’s plan, then it’s not in God’s plan. I’m just staying ready and focusing on myself. I’ll deal with whatever God gives me.

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