Detroit Pistons: Why Killian Hayes is going to make a big leap next season

Killian Hayes had an incomplete rookie season for the Detroit Pistons.

He missed three months with a hip injury and played much better when he returned, though he still needs big improvement in the offseason.

Hayes is still just 19-years-old and was trying to learn the toughest position in the NBA on the fly after having no offseason, getting injured and not having much time to practice or prepare.

Even with all of those challenges, Hayes showed that he can be an elite defender and passer, things which should have Pistons’ fans excited.

He finished the season averaging 6.8 points, 5.3 assists and a steal per game, numbers that aren’t going to jump off the page at you, but I predict that Hayes is going to make a huge leap next season and prove all his doubters wrong.

Here’s why.

Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes will have a full offseason to prepare

The last two seasons have probably been the strangest in NBA history due to the pandemic that rocked the entire planet.

We’ve all had our lives change in immeasurable ways that are far more important than basketball, but players are going through all these same things whilst trying to stay in shape and improve their games, which can’t be easy.

Killian Hayes will have a full offseason with a Summer League and more traditional NBA workout routine this offseason, which should help improve his physique and give him the time he needs to work on adding nuance to his offensive game.

Not only will Hayes have a full offseason but he knows exactly what he needs to work on and so does everyone else.

Hayes will spend the offseason focusing on his shooting, which will help him make a huge jump as as player.