Detroit Pistons: Big night for the rookies and tank in loss vs. Bulls
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes playing off the ball
Frank Jackson went out with an apparent injury after only eight minutes (more on that later), which meant extended run for Saben Lee off the bench.
Lee and Hayes both played over 30 minutes last night, which meant they spent a fair amount of time on the floor together, most of it with Hayes playing off the ball.
This is an interesting development for a couple of reasons. The first is that this may ultimately be Hayes’ position depending on what the Pistons do in the NBA Draft.
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If Detroit ended up with a guy like Jalen Suggs, for example, Hayes might end up being used more as a playmaking wing then the guy who is the primary ball handler.
If the Pistons were to get someone like Evan Mobley in the draft, then they might envision Lee and Hayes as the potential backcourt of the future.
If Jackson has to miss the rest of the season, this is a great chance for the Pistons to see how Lee and Hayes work together as backcourt mates.
Ultimately I think Hayes is going to be the point guard, as he is too good a passer to stick on the wing, but it is smart for the Pistons to move him around and see how it works just in case they end up selecting another point guard in the draft.