The Detroit Pistons spent much of the last four years losing on purpose, which wasn’t difficult considering they had one of the youngest and worst rosters in the league.
They were helped by tank commander Killian Hayes, a polarizing figure who was drafted 7th and never lived up to the hype.
Even after being one of the worst shooters in the history of the NBA during his time in Detroit, he still has fans who believe in his potential.
Expectations have certainly shifted since the Pistons cut Hayes and he was unable to find a job, so who knows, in a new environment without the pressure of being a 7th pick, perhaps he can thrive as the backup point guard fans hoped he would become in Detroit.
He’ll get a chance to prove himself, as the Brooklyn Nets recently signed Hayes to a one-year deal to compete for a roster spot. Don’t be surprised if Hayes is leading a new tank job next season, as Brooklyn is poised to be one of the worst teams in the league.
Former No. 7 pick Killian Hayes has agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Hayes will have a chance to compete for a roster spot with Nets. pic.twitter.com/69N6rxGRKx
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2024
Killian Hayes could do for the Nets what he did for the Pistons
If you need to lose games, Hayes is your man, as his teams went 50-160 in his time in Detroit, worst in the NBA.
This certainly wasn’t all Killian’s fault, but his offensive game never developed, with a 45 true shooting percentage with the Pistons that was among the worst in the NBA over that time. His defense never lived up to the hype, and he definitely wasn’t good enough on that end to offset his terrible shooting.
He could get a second chance with the Nets right away, as they lack point guard depth and don’t really have a backup behind Dennis Schroder.
There is a spot for Killian in the Nets’ rotation right away if he can earn it.
The Nets are also likely to completely dismantle their roster this season, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Schroder traded, as he is on an expiring deal and would be a useful addition to a contending team that needed point guard depth.
This could open up further opportunities for Killian Hayes to get run, so the Nets are one of the few teams that have the minutes for Hayes to potentially save his career.
And I hope he does. As much as we’ve joked about Hayes over the years, I do wish him well and hope he finds success with his new team.
But it’s just as likely that he’ll be leading another tank and Hayes may end up playing on another historically bad team if the Nets blow up their roster.