Detroit Pistons’ patience with Killian Hayes is paying off

Killian Hayes and the future of the Detroit Pistons

With Killian’s spike in production and a looming spot in the Pistons backcourt expected to be filled somewhat soon, could the Pistons stay in-house to do so? Many fans (admittedly, myself included) had essentially written him off as the future running-mate for Cade Cunningham long-term.

While Hayes is doing everything he can to ensure that the front office and coaching staff don’t overlook him when addressing this question, I think it’s still too early to determine whether or not he is the answer next to Cade. The duo clearly carries immense upside both defensively and in terms of playmaking.

However, perhaps more than anything, the Pistons need to prioritize shooting around Cunningham. Unfortunately, that is still an area that Hayes needs to improve in. He’s flashed the ability of being a somewhat reliable shooter from deep, specifically in the corners. But these flashes haven’t been consistent enough to necessarily believe he’ll project as a good-to-great 3-point shooter long-term.

If the Pistons are presented with the opportunity to grab a knockdown shooting wing to pair with Saddiq Bey in the draft (think Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray), then entrusting Hayes with the opportunity to start alongside Cade going forward makes more sense. If not, the Pistons may decide that they prefer him as the leader of the bench unit. Regardless, Hayes is undoubtedly making the deliberation much more interesting. Here’s to hoping he can finish off the season as strong as his play has been since his completion of a “full 82”.