Detroit Pistons: Pros and cons of sending Killian Hayes to G-League
Killian Hayes has gotten off to a rough start for the Detroit Pistons, which has some fans wondering if he will do a stint in the G-League this season.
The G-League does not start until November 6th for the Motor City Cruise, so that would be the very earliest we might see a move like this, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
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Lottery picks rarely get sent to the G-League and I don’t think the 20-year-old Hayes, who has still yet to play half a season in the NBA, will be sent there either. We’re also two games into the season, so people need to relax, as Hayes could come out and have a great game vs. the Hawks and shut everyone up.
The Pistons are not knocking on the door of contention, so if Hayes can’t get minutes now, when will he?
However, I can see some merit in the argument to send him down, so let’s look at the pros and cons of Killian Hayes going to the G-League for some of the season.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes can build confidence in the G-league
Pro: It’s possible that sending Hayes to a less pressure-filled environment will help him get into a rhythm and find some confidence.
Right now, Hayes looks scared to take a shot, scared to make mistakes. In the G-League he could just let it fly and if shots start going down, it could build his confidence.
He would have much more of a physical advantage there and realizing that might help him when he gets back to the real team.
Con: Whether you want to admit it or not, being sent the G-League is a demotion. Such a move would give legs to the “Killian Hayes is a bust” narrative and no matter how well he plays there, being demoted will be a blow to a young player’s ego and confidence.
There’s also the issue that Hayes would be playing with less talented players who won’t be able to take advantage of what he does well, which is pass and defend. What if he didn’t dominate in the G-League? What then? It’s a risk not worth taking as long as the Detroit Pistons are not in contention anyway.