Detroit Pistons: Why Killian Hayes should come off the bench

Detroit Pistons: Hayes would be a great playmaker and defensive leader for Detroit’s second unit

A second unit with Hayes, Frank Jackson, Josh Jackson, Isaiah Livers/Sekou Doumbouya/Trey Lyles, and Kelly Olynyk would provide Hayes ample opportunity to be the main ball-handler.

Depending on how the power forward situation shakes out, Hayes would be surrounded by three very solid three-point shooters and a below-average shooter in Josh Jackson.

With no Cunningham in the mix, it would be Hayes’ offense to run. He would bring the ball up court and initiate the offense. Bringing Hayes out with the second unit not only opens up space for Cunningham in the starting lineup, but it also provides Detroit’s bench with one of the league’s most adept young passers.

It would not be the perfect lineup. If Doumbouya is placed in with that unit, he and Josh Jackson would impede the spacing of the second unit. If Lyles or Livers find their way into the bench lineup, that spacing would become much better.

Hayes would also be a defensive leader for the second unit.

With Isaiah Stewart anchoring the defense in the starting lineup and Hayes presenting a potential role as a defensive leader with the bench unit, Detroit’s team defense could see a major improvement this upcoming season.

Like Stewart, Hayes can set the tone on defense for his teammates. Hayes’ relentless and hounding attitude as an on-ball defender would immediately set the standard for the rest of Detroit’s subs.

In the right situations, pairing Hayes and Cunningham in the backcourt together is always a possibility as well. But keeping them separate for the most part would maximize Detroit’s playmaking in both the starting lineup and bench lineup.

Ultimately, head coach Dwane Casey is likely to experiment with a Cunningham and Hayes backcourt this season. If Hayes is able to become at least mediocre as an outside shooter, the offense could really take off next season. But if Hayes continues to struggle from beyond the arc, his best role may be as a sixth man off the bench.