Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from clutch loss to the Timberwolves

Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes nearing assist record

One of the reasons Pistons’ fans should be excited about Killian Hayes is that he is already a very good passer.

Hayes racked up another seven assists last night and now has at least five assists in 13 straight games, which is the longest such streak for a Pistons’ rookie since Isiah Thomas did it in his rookie season.

Thomas’ streak was 17 games, so Hayes will not catch him, but it’s fair to say that he would have if not for injury.

Hayes has shown the ability to make all of the passes, from the simple post entry to the spectacular one-handed bounce passes that travel nearly the length of the court.

Here he is setting up fellow Frenchman, Sekou Doumbouya:

What I love about Hayes is that he is always looking up and has great court vision, so his teammates know if they run hard to a spot, he will get them the ball.

Hayes already makes these passes in transition as well as anyone in the NBA and he is still a rookie, so he has a high ceiling as a playmaker, whether he is playing the point or off the ball like he did for much of the game last night.

Hayes has been turning the ball over a lot, though he only committed three last night, but once he gets more comfortable with the speed of the NBA game, those should start to disappear.

Hayes’ passing has been opened up even more the last few games because he has been aggressive with the ball, which is the next step in is evolution.