Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes can probably keep dreaming

The Detroit Pistons have some tough decisions to make this summer, including what to do with their own players.

The have several guys up for contract extensions this summer, but only Isaiah Stewart seems likely to get one, as the other two (Killian Hayes and James Wiseman) just haven’t shown enough yet to make that kind of long-term commitment.

The Pistons haven’t seen enough of Wiseman yet to gauge how he fits with their core long-term or if he can ever reach his immense potential.

They’ve seen plenty of Killian Hayes, which is part of the problem, as the guard has shown flashes of being a very good playmaker and defender, but is still one of the worst shooters in the NBA, which didn’t change this past season.

Monty Williams has leaned on traditional point guards like Chris Paul in the past, so he might be the best thing to ever happen to Hayes, but that doesn’t mean the Pistons should jump headfirst into an extension.

Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes’ extension

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Killian Hayes is “open” to signing an extension with the Detroit Pistons this offseason.

This reminds me of one of my dad’s favorite sayings which is, “Wish in one hand, s*** in the other, see which gets full first.”

Of course Hayes is “open” to an extension, as he’s one more poor season away from being on the tail end of someone else’s bench or trying to learn Mandarin for his new assignment in China.

Hayes has plenty of talent, and if he were willing to sign a league-minimum extension, the Pistons would probably consider it, as it would be a worthwhile gamble. But that wouldn’t be a smart move on his part, as he still has time to prove he can be the type of backup point guard the Pistons need and Monty Williams may be the key to unlocking that result.

That’s why it would be best for everyone involved if Killian Hayes just played out his last season with a big chip on his shoulder as he tries to secure his future contract. Rewarding him now (unless it is bargain bin style) wouldn’t be good for him or the team.

I’m cheering for Killian, as the things he does well are things that all good teams need, but he’s not earned an extension yet and will likely have to prove it to get one.