Fans of the Detroit Pistons have been waiting nearly three months for the return of Killian Hayes, who will make his comeback tonight against the New York Knicks.
Most thought Hayes would miss the entire season after tearing his right hip labrum in just his seventh game in the NBA.
The lefty point guard showed some flashes of what he can be in those seven games but it was really just a tease, as Pistons’ fans were denied what could have been an even more enjoyable rebuilding season featuring their young lottery pick along with fellow rookies Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, who already look like foundational pieces.
But there is still time to salvage some positivity for Hayes, who now has the rest of the season to improve and prepare himself for next season.
Here are three things to watch in his much-anticipated return against the New York Knicks.
Detroit Pistons: How will Hayes affect the starting lineup and rotation?
The first question is whether Killian Hayes is going to return to the starting lineup when he comes back tonight.
Hayes was named the starter at the beginning of the season but didn’t play particularly well before his injury.
Since then, Saben Lee, Frank Jackson and Dennis Smith Jr. have all played well at times in his absence and Lee in particular is a guy who may have earned himself a future roster spot.
But let’s not get it twisted, Hayes is the point guard of the future and he will get every chance to show it. Whether he is physically ready to handle big minutes is another story.
The Pistons aren’t going to throw Hayes into the deep end right away, so I could see him coming off the bench initially as he works himself back into basketball shape.
I think Lee and Frank Jackson will still get minutes when Hayes returns, as he is probably on limitations. After that, Smith Jr. and Jackson are likely to be the ones whose minutes get cut, as they are less likely to be part of the team next season.
There are only 24 games remaining, so I imagine we will see plenty of all of the young guards who are trying to earn a spot for next season.