The Detroit Pistons continue to lose games. This is obviously not a surprise. What is more on the other hand, and we can only rejoice in it, is to see Killian Hayes point the tip of his nose. After going through ups (a few) and downs (many) this year, the former Choletais is enjoying this end of the season without a stake for Dwane Casey’s men. A good omen for the future, which may look bright (hello Wembanyama) on the side of Michigan.
Top scorer of his team
Back in the 5th major of his team for three games, Killian Hayes has resumed his marks .. and rather well. Still struggling with his shot (37.2% average this season, 28.6% long distance), he tries to compensate with a slightly more effective selection of shots, especially in the racket. Evidenced by his last three outings: with 17, 10 and 20 pts registered, he cheerfully inflates an average that has struggled to exceed 10pts since the start of the season.
Last night, however, his 20 units allowed him to finish as the Pistons’ top scorer, despite the defeat against the Wizards of an excellent Bradley Beal (36pts, 6rbds, 7asts). Above all, Killian Hayes dared, and his 35 minutes spent on the floor were quite profitable. He shot 21 times, which happens to him very rarely. For a completely honest success (47.6%). If his ability to register award-winning baskets still leaves something to be desired (no successful three-point shot yesterday), he does not hesitate to take responsibility. What he should have done, a long time ago.
An overflowing activity
If its latest scoring performances are encouraging, it is above all its overall activity which is clearly improving. In all areas of play, Killian Hayes seems to be finding color. We have always known his ability to defend strongly, regardless of the player in front of him. From now on, it is ball in hand that we expect more from him. And it is clear that his technical palette tends to expand: percussion, transition playing, and above all, metronome. If he made “only” 7 assists yesterday, he remained on two nice double-doubles, against Indiana each time. 17 points and 13 assists in Saturday night’s loss, 10 pawns and 11 assists to bring down those same Pacers two days later. In the absence of Cunningham, he demonstrates all his abilities to guide his people.
.@iam_killian turning defense into offense in the first????#Pistons pic.twitter.com/0FgXykSpIG
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) March 14, 2023
Obviously, Detroit having no intention of winning games, this impact is ultimately in vain. But Hayes, who has twelve games left to finish with a bang, scores points. Especially for next season. Because the Pistons, who will surely finish with one of the three worst records in the league, have a good chance of recovering the 1st or 2nd choice of the next draft in June. In other words, Victor Wembanyama or probably Scoot Henderson. And the contribution of one of these players, coupled with a young and growing squad (Hayes, Cunningham but also James Wiseman, Jaden Ivey or Jalen Duren to name a few) could spark sparks in the fairly near future. .
find regularity
Now, for Killian Hayes, the goal is to find consistency. His coach, the board and his teammates have confidence in him, as they keep saying. It is up to him to find the ingredients to maintain consistency. Because unfortunately, he is often capable of the best… as well as the worst. The second game against the Pacers is the most glaring example: while he had started the meeting with a bang (8pts, 7asts, 2stls in the 1st quarter!), he finally lost the rhythm after being hit in the knee . His match remains correct, especially since the Pistons have won. But he must do better. He is capable of it. It’s up to him to prove it.
Killian Hayes still has a short month of competition .. and almost six months of break to continue his momentum. In good shape for three games, it’s up to him to finish the season as a cannonball to hope, finally, to finally launch his NBA adventure.
Valentin Martin
Heart bruised by the end of Rodgeur’s career, I rely on The Beard’s stepback. Nothing like an incandescent Velodrome to make me capsize with happiness