Fans of the Detroit Pistons have been hoping that Killian Hayes would get more aggressive on offense and last night he finally did.
Hayes had the best game of his career in the loss to the Bulls, scoring 21 points and adding eight assists and seven rebounds.
We’ve seen Hayes play smothering defense and show off some slick passing, but this was really the first game that he was aggressive looking for his own shot, taking 17 of them and knocking down nine.
Whether or not he is making them, Hayes has to continue to be aggressive, as it will open up the offense for the whole team.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes’ aggression is the key to the offense
When Killian Hayes is aggressive, as he was last night, the Pistons’ offense has a chance to find another level.
Right now the Detroit Pistons are an extremely easy team to defend. With Josh Jackson and Jerami Grant out, the Pistons lack players who can create their own shot or force defenses to collapse, which opens up space for shooters.
If Killian Hayes is not a threat to shoot the ball, defenses simply stay at home on his penetration, but if he can start shooting and making some of those shots, it will open up the offense for everyone.
On this play, Hayes drives to the baseline and hesitates slightly to get some space before shooting the little floater. If he can make this consistently, the Pistons’ offense is going to get exponentially better, as defenses will start to collapse to stop it, which will open up space.
Keep it goin', Killian! 🚨#DetroitUp | @iam_killian pic.twitter.com/UHdZ0rZfNW
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) May 10, 2021
Hayes has shown the ability to get into the lane even though he is not lightning quick, as he uses his strength and crafty change of pace to get space, but normally he only looks to pass once he gets there, which leads to his high turnover rate.
When he is aggressive, it makes defenses hesitate, as they are not sure whether to help or stay at home, which is exactly the type of confusion a point guard wants to create.
As Killian Hayes gets more comfortable, and the Pistons get more shooting, Hayes aggressive drives are going to open up the offense.