Pistons: How Killian Hayes could win Most Improved Player next season

Killian Hayes had an inconsistent season for the Detroit Pistons that did not go as planned.

He had to miss significant time with injury, but even when he did play,  he made a lot of rookie mistakes and didn’t always look comfortable.

But he did show flashes, which is why fans are still excited about the potential of Killian Hayes and think he is poised to make a huge leap next season.

The only good thing about having an off year is that you have the opportunity to improve, just ask Jerami Grant who used his chance at an expanded role to become a finalist for the Most Improved Player award.

Killian Hayes would love to prove his doubters wrong, have a huge season next year and be in the running for this award himself, but what would have to happen for him to be considered?

Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes needs health and assists

The first thing that would have to happen for Killian Hayes to have a chance at Most Improved Player is that he has to improve.

This will only happen if he is on the floor, so he needs to show he can stay healthy for a whole season.

One thing he has shown is that he can pass, averaging 5.3 assists as a rookie, which is pretty good considering how much time he missed and that he didn’t get much chance to build chemistry with his team.

Hayes would need to average more like 9-11 assists next season for him to be considered for MIP, but he would also need to improve his scoring averages as well.

If Hayes can average closer to ten points with 9-10 assists and 1.5 steals per game, he will be in the conversation, but it is not just up to him, the team has to be better as well.

The Detroit Pistons must improve for Killian Hayes to be noticed

The main reason that Julius Randle is probably going to beat out Jerami Grant for MIP is that the Knicks are headed to to the playoffs and the Pistons are headed to the lottery.

For Killian Hayes to have a shot at MIP next season, he will not only have to double his averages from this season, but the team would need to improve.

If the Pistons are in the playoff discussion next season, which I think they will be, then voters will look to reward them with awards for making such a big leap as a team.

If Killian Hayes plays most of the games next season, improves his shooting and assist totals and gets the Detroit Pistons near the playoffs, he will be in the discussion for Most Improved Player next season.

Easy? Not at all. But not impossible, which is why Killian Hayes should set these as goals for next season.