Killian Hayes has only played two games since rerunning to the Detroit Pistons from injury but there is already buzz in the fanbase and for good reason.
Hayes played just seven games before injuring his right hip and most people thought he would miss the entire rest of the season.
He didn’t play particularly well in those seven games, which had the delusional portion of the fanbase using words like “bust” which is about as dumb as it gets considering we are talking about a teenager trying to learn the NBA’s toughest position.
But it was fair to wonder what we might see when he came back, what his confidence would be like and whether he learned anything while sitting on the bench.
So far, so good, as Hayes has looked much better already and has given fans of the Detroit Pistons plenty to be excited about for the future.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes could be a lockdown defender
Hayes has only scored nine points total in the first two games since his return, but his initial impact will not be as a scorer.
What Hayes has shown is that he has the potential to be a lockdown defender on the perimeter. He has plus size for the position, quick hands and good instincts, so he will be good on that end well before his offensive game comes around.
He showed it last night against the Thunder, swiping four steals and adding two blocks in just 25 minutes and generally making things miserable for OKC’s perimeter players.
Hayes is big, strong, physical and seems to actually enjoy playing defense, which is one of the reasons Troy Weaver was so high on him as a prospect.
#Pistons Dwane Casey says Killian Hayes' pick-and-roll passing was one of the big strengths that Troy Weaver identified in wanting to draft him (the other was defense).
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) April 5, 2021
Becoming a consistent scoring threat from the point guard position takes time, but Killian Hayes could be an elite defender sooner rather than later and that is what the Detroit Pistons are building around.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes can be an elite passer
Another thing to get excited about is the fact that Killian Hays is already the best passer on the Detroit Pistons.
That’s not really saying much considering that his teammates are not great in this department, but Hayes has shown flashes of elite passing that is nearly effortless.
Here he is making this lob to Isaiah Stewart look way too easy:
https://twitter.com/DetroitPistons/status/1379227141280256011
But it’s not just the highlight-reel passes that sets Hayes apart, it’s his feel for the game and the way he always seems to hit teammates in the right spot.
Shooters will tell you that part of great passing it hitting them in rhythm, getting the ball to them in the best possible spot to make a move or to take the shot.
So far, Hayes’ teammates aren’t ready for his passing because Hayes had seven assists against OKC and probably could have had seven more.
This will change as he gets more scoring around him and his teammates get more comfortable, but Hayes has already shown playmaking ability and instinctual passing that is beyond his years.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes looks more confident
Hayes looked hesitant in his first seven games, which is to be expected for a teenager who is trying to learn to play point guard in the NBA.
In the two games since returning, Hayes has not only shown more confidence with his shot but also more understanding of where he should be taking them.
Hayes penetrated from the top-of-the-key with his right hand and then pulled up smoothly from the free-throw line last night, which is a shot he wasn’t taking much in his first seven games.
Instead, Hayes was often opting for a step back 3-point shot, which is what young players do when they lack confidence in their ability to penetrate.
I don’t recall Killian Hayes taking any such shots in these last two games, instead taking it from the mid-range or looking to set up teammates.
His offense is going to be a work in progress for some time but it has been nice to see him trying to get closer to the rim and using his strength and athleticism to get where he wants to try and set up teammates.
The offense will come with time, but Killian Hayes can make an impact right now with his defense and passing, which can be his calling cards until he gets more comfortable as a scorer.
Fans of the Detroit Pistons have a lot to be excited about even though it’s only been a couple of games, as Killian Hayes is looking every bit the part of a top-ten pick.