Killian Hayes was one of the most polarizing players in the recent history of the Detroit Pistons.
His most ardent fans ignored his obvious flaws in favor of his "upside" and what was erroneously called "elite" defense, while his biggest critics did the opposite, often taking all-too-personal shots at him in the process.
Most of us just wanted him to succeed and fulfill the potential of a 7th overall pick, but it's safe to say that didn't happen, as the Detroit Pistons had to cut him at the trade deadline to open a roster spot and to keep Monty Williams from putting him in the starting lineup.
There is still time for Hayes, who is still somehow only 22 years old, as there is a history of point guards being late bloomers, which should give him hope.
He hasn't been signed so far, which is an indictment of the Pistons and Monty Williams, as this is a player who started most of the games he appeared in for Detroit this season and can't even get a bench job on any other team.
But there is one who might come calling according to Bleacher Report, who named the San Antonio Spurs the most likely team to give Killian Hayes a chance.
The San Antonio Spurs could sign Killian Hayes
Way back at the beginning of the season, I wrote that the Spurs were the perfect team for Hayes, as they likely had minutes for him with a thin guard rotation and his skills would be useful to fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama.
Bleacher Report agrees, saying,
"The point guard-starved, future-focused San Antonio Spurs feel like a perfect fit. A pass-first point guard can look pretty good when passing to a transcendent talent like Victor Wembanyama (just ask Tre Jones), and the Spurs need more players to set the table for their phenomenal freshman."
Who knows, maybe Gregg Popovich can be the one to finally unseal Hayes' offense, which is the main thing holding him back from being a rotation player in the NBA.
His time with the Detroit Pistons was a flop, but I do wish him well in the future, though I am glad it will be with another team.