Pistons’ Twitter Mailbag: Free agents, Killian Hayes and hypotheticals
Detroit Pistons’ Twitter mailbag
This next question comes from @KornKat2020 and concerns the perception around Killian Hayes.
The Killian narrative vs Matisse Thybulle. Comparing stats, age, impact. Why is Killian seemingly on the 'edge' of bust status with fans while Thybulle is viewed as valuable
— Corey Jump (@KornKat2020) March 17, 2022
This is a good question, as both of these players struggle offensively and are very good defensively, yet one is seen as a borderline bust and one a key piece. Here’s why:
-Killian Hayes was a lottery pick. Thybulle wasn’t. That completely changes the expectations for a player’s development. Thybulle was supposed to be a role player and is, Hayes was supposed to be a star and isn’t.
-Thybulle joined a good team and has a defined role. Killian didn’t and doesn’t. Killian has also missed significant time with injuries.
-Thybulle has already made an All-Defense team. Hayes has been good defensively but isn’t consistently at that level yet.
-The 76ers are good. All of the focus is on their top guys, leaving Thybulle to do his thing without much scrutiny or judgement about his lack of offense. Killian Hayes was supposed to be the starting point guard of the Detroit Pistons, who stink, so a lot more attention is paid to his faults.
Until the Pistons are good, the things Killian Hayes does well will not be recognized by casual NBA fans, who don’t see him play much. If the Pistons were good, and Killian was playing lockdown defense, I think he’d make the All-Defense team too and the perception will change, but until that happens, the “bust” talk will continue.