Detroit Pistons schedule: 9 things to watch in the last 9 games

Detroit Pistons schedule: 9 things to watch in the last 9 games

#6: Killian Hayes finishing strong

Killian Hayes is still shooting the ball poorly, but he has been playing much better over his last six games. He just looks a lot more comfortable and has been more aggressive trying to get to the basket. Hayes is averaging 15.2 points, 9.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds over that stretch, looking more the part of the floor general coach Dwane Casey wants him to be. Hayes is undoubtedly the most polarizing Piston, (his Stans are just as annoying as the haters) but I am cheering for the guy and hope he can figure it out in Detroit.

#5: Two bigs

I’ve written enough about this already, but the Detroit Pistons seem determined to use two centers in the starting lineup for the rest of the way even though there isn’t much evidence that it is working. Marvin Bagley III did have a monster game last night, but the Pistons were eviscerated on the boards and in the paint, so it didn’t much matter. The defensive limitations are the real concern, as is Troy Weaver’s misguided desire to time travel back to the 90’s when playing two centers might have worked. We should get to see plenty of it in the last nine games and have a decent data set to look at by the end of the season. Spoiler Alert! It won’t be good.

#4: The Rookies

Two players with something to play for are the two rookies Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. Ivey has played better defense of late (especially on the ball) but it still fairly erratic when it comes to efficiency. Duren hasn’t been able to stay on the floor, which is a shame, as it might cost him a spot on the All-Rookie team. Ivey is a lock, but it would be nice for him to finish strong and make the 1st team.