During his four years with the LSU Tigers, guard Skylar Mays rapidly improved each season. As a freshman in 2016-17, Mays started 25 games and averaged 8.3 points per game.
By his senior season, Mays averaged 16.7 points per game and had improved his scoring average by at least two points per game in each season.
Mays’ experience and ability on both ends of the court was going to make him a valuable commodity in the 2020 NBA draft, even if he wasn’t one of the top prospects.
Mays eventually went No. 50 overall to the Atlanta Hawks and signed a two-way contract, meaning he would split time between the NBA team and NBA G League affiliate.
In his first six NBA contests, Mays didn’t play much, scoring a total of two points and never played more than five minutes in one game.
However, on Friday when the Hawks hosted the San Antonio Spurs, Mays played 17 minutes and showed why he should earn more playing time.
In those 17 minutes of play, Mays scored 20 points, on seven of 10 shooting from the field. Mays did most of his damage from beyond the arc, connecting on four of his five attempts.
Mays also dished out three assists and did not turn the ball over.
The NBA values players who can play multiple positions, shoot from long range and defend. Mays can do all three.
While Mays won’t likely break into Atlanta’s starting lineup anytime soon, he proved in a short period why he deserves to see more action for the Hawks.