Three things to watch in Detroit Pistons summer league opener

It’s time for the Cade and Killian Show to begin

There may be many different storylines involved in Summer League but there is one above all else: Can Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes play together?

This is not a question that will be answered in the first game against the Thunder, but it is a question that will be at the top of every Pistons fans thoughts.

Hayes was the No. 7 pick in last year’s draft, so the Pistons have a lot invested in him. Hayes was drafted to be a ballhandler and facilitator. Cunningham, among his many talents, is also a ballhandler and facilitator.

Detroit coach Dwane Casey has said he likes to have two facilitators on the court at the same time. OK, but no one wants to have a player on the court who can not shoot.

Hayes made 35-percent of his shots last season. Not 35-percent on threes, but on all his shots. Over the course of an 82-game schedule, that will not fly. Opponents will simply ignore him and go double-team Jerami Grant or Cunningham (see Simmons, Ben) .

Hayes did improve his offense late in the season, and he has been working hard on his shooting since then. The Thunder game will be the first opportunity Pistons fans will have to see if Hayes can now knock down open shots.

Hayes and Cunningham will undoubtedly see a lot of time together. Both are smart players, and the future success of the Pistons would look a lot brighter if they do mesh well together.

Usually, summer league is for rookies and guys hoping to make a G-League team. However, the Pistons, due to circumstances, have this Sunday’s game with the Thunder begin an important week of contests for Detroit.