Detroit Pistons: Why Killian Hayes should come off the bench

When the Detroit Pistons landed the first pick during the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery, excitement around the city immediately erupted. With the team set up to draft the top prospect in the draft class, Cade Cunningham, Pistons GM Troy Weaver brought his team one step closer to completing their restoration, but what about Killian Hayes, the point guard they already had?

On draft night, the hype surrounding Detroit taking its future franchise cornerstone came to fruition. Cunningham was selected first overall by Weaver and the front office. With a new franchise point guard on the roster, many are left to wonder what role 20-year-old Killian Hayes will fill heading into his sophomore season.

Detroit Pistons: What does Cade Cunningham mean for Killian Hayes?

Hayes was Weaver’s first draft selection as the GM of the Detroit Pistons. Taken seventh overall, the 6-5 lefty was expected to be the future of the point guard position in Detroit.

Unfortunately, Hayes struggled throughout his rookie campaign. The 20-year-old was named to the starting lineup right out of the gate, and his struggles compounded through the first seven games of the season. Hayes would injure his hip and miss the next 40 games of the 2020-21 season. Upon his return, Hayes would start in 11 of his final 19 games of the season.

The rookie’s first season in Detroit came with a mix of good and terrible. Hayes showed a natural playmaking ability running the point guard position for Detroit. His crosscourt, thread-the-needle assist against the Oklahoma City Thunder is the top highlight from his rookie year.

The 20-year-old was the best passer on Detroit’s roster last season. His creativity and accuracy passing the ball were unmatched by any other Pistons player. Hayes would finish the season averaging 5.3 assists per game. 29.7 percent of his teammates’ made field goals came off assists from the 20-year-old when he was on the court.

Hayes was also a very stout defender for the Pistons last season. He was able to use his long arms to interrupt passing lanes and strip the ball away from his opponents. He hounded his marks on the ball and was relentless in his defensive effort as well.

The stellar playmaking and defense that Hayes possesses have made many believe he would be a great backcourt mate for Cunningham next season.

Having two guards who can make plays for their teammates and be a solid defensive backcourt sounds really good on paper. In fact, In those two areas alone, Cunningham and Hayes would be perfect to pair together. But Hayes’ struggles with shooting efficiency will inevitably hold this pairing back.