The Detroit Pistons' Draft Day Dilemma: Killian Hayes' Unraveling Story
The Pistons' legacy of failed draft picks is a well-known tale in the NBA, and one of their most recent busts, Killian Hayes, may have reached the end of his NBA journey. The story of his draft and subsequent struggles is a cautionary tale for any franchise.
In 2020, the Pistons made a bold move, securing the No. 7 pick and using it to draft French point guard Killian Hayes. The optimism was palpable; multiple draft analysts had ranked him as the top prospect, and the Pistons were seen as having pulled off a masterstroke. With a young, talented player ready to take the court, the future seemed bright.
However, the reality of Hayes' NBA career has been a stark contrast to the initial hype. Despite being given a starting role and multiple opportunities, he failed to live up to expectations. Over four seasons with the Pistons, he averaged a mere 8.1 points and 5.2 assists, shooting a cold 38.2% from the field and a disappointing 27.7% from beyond the arc. This performance fell far short of the franchise's hopes.
The 2020 NBA Draft, ironically, was a golden opportunity to find a guard, and the Pistons' choice of Hayes seems to have been a missed opportunity. Other players like Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, and Desmond Bane were all selected later in the first round and have since thrived. Even Tre Jones, a second-round pick, has become a solid rotation player.
The Pistons' decision to stick with Hayes for so long could have been a strategic move, considering the slow development of point guard prospects. Yet, the outcome remains disappointing. The franchise has since rebuilt, drafting wisely and forming one of the league's most promising young cores. In contrast, Hayes' career has taken a downward spiral.
Last season, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets, spending time between the team and their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. While he showed glimpses of improvement, averaging 20.7 points and a solid 41.7% from 3-point range in the G League, it wasn't enough to secure a roster spot in the NBA. He was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who, despite his talent, saw him as a long shot to make the final cut.
The Cavaliers' decision to waive Hayes and send him back to the G League is a clear indication that his NBA career may be coming to an end. With their championship aspirations and depth, they won't be wasting minutes on a failed draft pick. It's unlikely any other team will take a chance on him during the season.
The Pistons' mistake in 2020 has led to a challenging journey for Killian Hayes. Despite his talent and potential, the end of the road may be near. This story serves as a reminder that draft picks are not always a guarantee of success, and sometimes, the right choice can make all the difference.
