I told Tyler that he shouldn’t be enamored with the NBA. This is about finding his spot. A lot of things go into the right fit. – Marty Haws
SALT LAKE CITY — Take it from one who knows, the NBA is wonderful — but far from the only place to lace ‘em up.
Turns out the hoops are 10 feet high everywhere.
Former BYU guard Tyler Haws worked out for the Jazz on Monday and, in his estimation, represented himself well. No surprise there. He has made the most of a lot of difficult situations in his day.
That’s why, last month, he revealed he was seeking dual citizenship, having been born in Belgium. Playing professionally in Dallas, Phoenix or, yes, Utah would be nice. All have mid to low second-round NBA draft picks, which is where Haws would get called if selected. But otherwise, he can go back to his roots. He was born overseas when his father, Marty, was playing there.
And it’s the elder Haws who says pro basketball isn’t just about the place, but also the fit.
“I told Tyler that he shouldn’t be enamored with the NBA. This is about finding his spot,” said Marty. “A lot of things go into the right fit.”
Seriously, what’s not to like about playing in a country famous for chocolate and waffles?
“Guys on certain (NBA) teams say it’s not a good fit for them, but they can say it’s in the NBA,” Marty said on Monday, shortly after Tyler had worked out with the Jazz. “But my point is that I can say to him, ‘Ty, find the right fit and don’t worry about the other stuff; you can play basketball and it will take care of itself.’”
This isn’t just a dad's advice; it’s the voice of experience. In 1990, after an all-conference career at BYU, Marty Haws left with hopes of playing in the show of shows. But size and lateral speed limitations kept him outside the NBA. He played well with Denver in its summer league, but by the time fall camp arrived, his stock had fallen along with the arrival of a new coach.
So Haws went to Belgium, playing two years while making nice money and seeing the world.
“It’s a great time of life to be playing basketball,” he said. “What else would you want to do?”
This is an entirely possible scenario with Tyler, too. A fine mid-range scorer, he is what his father labels “a much better player than I was.” Though lacking great range and lateral speed, he leaves BYU as its all-time points leader.
“He’s been consistently good for so long, you don’t have to wonder which Tyler is going to show up,” his father said.
As with many BYU athletes, Tyler’s age (24) matters to some NBA teams. But he has already worked out for Phoenix and Dallas, with the Lakers set for Wednesday, followed by Golden State, Memphis and Brooklyn.
The Jazz — who pick 12th in both draft rounds — aren’t necessarily more intrigued by him than anyone else. But they like to extend courtesy calls to local players, providing exposure and experience. Last week the Jazz auditioned backup Utah center Dallin Bachynski, who probably won’t be drafted.
Haws might even end up in the Philippines, where he served an LDS mission.
“There are a lot of great places in the world to play basketball,” his father said, “and you’re just looking for one.”
Considering Jimmer Fredette, the national Player of the Year at BYU, is struggling to stay in the league, the odds of Haws succeeding in the NBA seem long. But Brandon Davies — who played with Haws and Fredette — lasted 78 games before signing with a team in France.
“I feel like I’m NBA ready,” Haws said after his Monday workout.
The elder Haws is keeping expectations in check (“It’s for sure way harder to watch your kids than to play yourself”) but agrees his son is qualified for the brightest lights. Much of staying in the NBA is tied to the situation as much as the talent.
“I think I’m in Ty’s camp, and I think he’s NBA-ready and capable of playing in that league,” said Marty. “I’ve watched him play long enough that I wouldn’t bet against him, that’s for sure.”
Whether in this country or beyond the sea.
Email: rock@desnews.com; Twitter: @therockmonster; Blog: Rockmonster Unplugged