Detroit Pistons: 3 things we shouldn’t see after All-Star break

Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes in the starting lineup

I know a lot of people will disagree with this one and there is evidence to support their case, as Killian Hayes has been much better as a starter this season than he has coming off the bench.

But there are also very good reasons to move him back to the bench for the remainder of the season:

• Jaden Ivey needs more reps as an initiator and ball handler. He played well in that role when Hayes went to the bench and has played better alongside Alec Burks in the starting lineup.
• Killian Hayes needs to get used to a  bench role because that is the only way he’s going to have a future with the Detroit Pistons. When Cade Cunningham returns, Hayes is going back to the bench, so why not start acclimating him right away?

• Hayes should get reps in the pick-and-role with James Wiseman. Wiseman was not very effective in the Warriors’ offensive scheme, so they did adjust in the limited minutes he saw with the team, going with more pick-and-roll plays, which is one area where he allegedly excels. The same can be said for Hayes (though it’s more theory than reality at this point). Wiseman may end up starting with Jalen Duren at some point, but for now, if he continues to come off the bench, it would benefit both him and Hayes to get some run together to see if they can form chemistry.

The Detroit Pistons don’t have many games left to experiment and see what works heading into the most important offseason of Troy Weaver’s time with the team. They should spend it on important issues they need to iron out, not waste more time with things that won’t be part of the future.