Detroit Pistons 2020 NBA Draft Profile: Killian Hayes
Strengths
When looking at Hayes’s game, the first thing that sticks out is simple it’s his ability and willingness to pass and find the open man. Whether it is coming off a high pick or just simply being the connector man Hayes is always looking for the open pass and gets them off with good strength and accuracy. He often finds himself setting up the offensive game for his team which is oftentimes started off by a pick, his elite first step and burst makes defenders all over the court keep an eye on him as he initiates the offense which helps his teammates get good open looks so long as they’re moving off the ball.
As someone who'snability to penetrate has to be respected be defenses especially when he's receiving a pick. (helps he excels in the PnR as well) in this clip the defense focus fully on him allowing him to show off his vision and passing with a strong pass into the corner pic.twitter.com/4CHpbyxJky
— Tyler Moorman (@TmoormanNBA) January 6, 2020
His burst and ability to make plays off of the pick may cause defenders to sag back some to ready up for his drive, which urges him to get better at shooting to punish the defenders for that choice.
At his height and weighing 215 pounds, Hayes has a solid frame and size for an NBA point guard and he knows how to use that body to the best of his ability to get to his spots and draw contact. He is a terrific free throw shooter knocking down 92% of his attempts at the line which is another trend that points to his shot continuing to better as he ages and puts more work into it.
His ball handling and shiftiness are amongst some of the best in this class which he uses excellently to help him get space whether it be in a one-on-one situation or coming off a screen. He is great at squeezing through tight spaces after a pick and blowing by the two defenders which put the defense at a disadvantage needing them to shift and leave a man open which he excels at finding.