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.
Detroit Pistons: Has Killian Hayes learned anything on the bench?
Killian Hayes has been watching games from the bench for nearly three months now, which has to be tough for young player, especially when his fellow rookies have been playing big minutes and making the most of them.
I am sure Hayes has been dying to get back in there, but I hope he was paying attention from the bench.
An injury can be a learning experience for a player, especially a rookie point guard, who got a chance to watch games up close and hopefully learn from them.
He did not play well in his seven games, which is to be expected from a young player at the NBA toughest position, but now he’s had a chance to watch other guys, learn from them and consider what things he needs to improve.
Three months gives a guy a long time to think, so Hayes has hopefully picked up some tips and though about ways he can be better.
Hopefully Hayes will come back a little calmer and a little wiser for these last 24 games, as he tries to prove that he is much better than what he has shown so far.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes vs. Derrick Rose
When Killian Hayes went down with injury, Derrick Rose was still his teammate, but since then Rose has been shipped to the Knicks and will now be his opponent in his first game back.
Rose has had a tough time with the Knicks, as he had to miss a lot of time due to COVID protocol after he and his entire family were stricken with the virus.
Rose is just getting back into playing shape himself, so he and Hayes will both be in similar positions.
Hopefully this will be a case where student becomes master, as Hayes will be itching to get out there against his former teammate and mentor.
The two could be matched up against each other if both come off the bench, and Hayes should try to use his size to get into the lane against Rose, who is not the greatest defender.
But he’ll also have to try and stay in front of Rose on the other end, which is no easy task, even in the latter stages of the former-MVP’s career.
The two should be very familiar with each other from going head-to-head in practice, so it should be a matchup worth watching.
The Detroit Pistons are excited to get their prized rookie back, but will have to be patient as he tries to work his way back into the fold.
The future starts tonight in Detroit.