Detroit Pistons: Why Killian Hayes will have a breakout sophomore season

Next season is an important one for Killian Hayes of the Detroit Pistons.

In the NBA, second-year point guards, particularly those who were lottery picks, find themselves at a crossroads.

For many, it is a defining period for their future role on their team, and possibly their role in the league as well, filled with recent memories of a rookie year that either showed signs of promise, disappointment, or a mixture of both.

In an anticipated upcoming year centered around Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes will encounter his own crossroads as a young point guard in the NBA.

After an inconsistent Summer League where he showed improved playmaking skills, athleticism, and an added element of aggression that was absent through most of his rookie season, Hayes once again left many divided on his future role for the Pistons.

His summer league averages of 6.3 points, 4.7 assists, 3.3 turnovers, and a three-point percentage of 18.2 obviously conjured up recent images of a rather forgettable rookie season, but beyond the numbers were encouraging signs, akin to a rookie year that held the same frustrating theme.

Detroit Pistons: Why Killian Hayes is primed to have a big sophomore season

First, Hayes looked physically stronger and showed improved quickness, which should pay immediate dividends when the season starts. This quickness led to an increase in his willingness to push the ball in addition to an already advanced ability to throw outlets, extended bounce passes, and cross court lobs.

Defensively, this newfound strength should also immediately serve Hayes well, and allow him to build upon a rookie year where he quietly excelled at times on that side of the ball, getting into passing lanes, and using his wingspan to wreak havoc.

Once again, however, were the glaring weaknesses, with outside shooting remaining at the top of the list. Although his three point sample size was small, (2-11 in summer league) Hayes’ jumper remains a legitimate reason for concern, particularly now that he’ll be sharing a backcourt with Cunningham.

Floor-spacing, paint touches, drives, and offensive efficiency are all dependent upon guards who possess respectable jumpers to keep defenses honest, and create ample opportunities for themselves and their teammates.

While we saw a few mid-range jumpers and floaters from Hayes, his ability to hit threes will be crucial in determining whether a backcourt comprised of him and Cunningham can work long term.

What lies ahead of this new era for the Detroit Pistons is uncertain, but for Hayes there is an opportunity to solidify his future role as the backcourt mate alongside the franchise’s new star.

While Hayes’ improvement this summer from last season was obvious, a jump shot can be the deciding factor between a severely limited offensive arsenal, or his evolution into an elite floor general. There’s still time, but with a young star on the roster to build around, and other emerging  players, the clock has officially started ticking.