The Detroit Pistons fell in the lottery and are still looking for a new head coach, which are the two storylines that have dominated the offseason so far.
But they will also need to make decisions about their own players, as they have several guys up for extensions who would be free agents at the end of next season if not signed to extended deals.
Killian Hayes is one of the players up for extension, and it’s hard to see the Detroit Pistons giving him one without another season of evidence. He hasn’t progressed as the Pistons would have hoped and is already due $7.4 million next season.
If the Pistons choose not to offer an extension, he could play himself into a bigger deal with a breakout season, but the question is what type of role will there be for him?
Detroit Pistons: 2 possible roles for Killian Hayes next season
Primary backup point guard
Currently the Detroit Pistons have just Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Alec Burks (assuming they exercise his team option) at guard, so for now, Hayes is clearly the option at backup point guard, a role that may be suited to him.
He can potentially come into games and provide a spark with his defense, focus on getting everyone else involved, and with the right supporting cast (three shooters) and in a the right system, you can see Hayes thriving in this role.
This is probably the best-case scenario for Hayes next season, as Cunningham and Ivey will be penciled in as the starters, so he’s going to have to embrace that role. Hopefully the next coach will get him to focus on becoming an elite defender, which is his best path to getting big minutes.
Third point guard, mop up
There is also a scenario where the Pistons go out and sign a veteran guard who can challenge Hayes for minutes. The new coach will not be as invested in Hayes, and will be under pressure to win some games, so they are going to go with the player best suited to help that cause.
For the last two seasons, Hayes has mostly been competing with Cory Joseph, but if the Pistons upgrade that position (they should) with a veteran point guard who can play, Hayes could be relegated to third point guard and getting minutes in mop-up duty.
That would be the worst-case scenario for Hayes potentially heading into restricted free agency.
This is a make or break season for Hayes with the Detroit Pistons, as he has to show that he can play a meaningful role and is worth investing in for the future.
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