The Detroit Pistons have two young point guards in Killian Hayes and Saben Lee who will both be battling for minutes this season.
Depending on how you look at Cade Cunningham, the Pistons will have four point guards after signing Lee to a 3-year deal and bringing back veteran Cory Joseph.
Joseph was really just brought in for veteran depth, as the three young Pistons’ point guards are more athletic, have higher ceiling talent and are part of the future core of the team.
Killian Hayes was injured for most of last season, though he did flash some nice defense and passing ability late in the year when he returned.
Lee was a surprise second-round pick who earned his way from a two-way contract onto the roster and made the most of it with some huge games early in the season.
Lee showed some big improvements in Summer League and may have done enough to turn coach Dwane Casey’s head, but was it enough to supplant Killian Hayes? We are not there yet, but Saben is making his case.
Let’s look where the two stand on offense and defense, as well as how they fit with some of the other players on the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes and Saben Lee on offense
Offensively, both players are somewhat similar in that they are mainly playmakers who struggle to shoot from range.
But Lee showed improved confidence and accuracy with his 3-point shot in Summer League, shooting 40 percent from long range on four attempts per game and showing the confidence to shoot them when the game was on the line.
Though he played far less, Hayes shot just 18 percent from long range, and has struggled from there from the get-go.
Hayes is probably the better passer, though Lee is much better at getting into the lane to set up teammates or finish himself.
Hayes still struggles to finish, and hasn’t shown a lot of confidence in his ability to do so. I think Lee is the more polished offensive player at this point, as he is quicker, more aggressive and more confident, but Hayes is definitely more physical and has more high-ceiling talent.
Advantage: Lee