Killian Hayes never found his footing in the NBA, but five years after being drafted, he is still eyeing an NBA comeback even with other offers on the table.
With the seventh pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons selected Killian Hayes from the German League. Hayes would go on to have a rather forgettable NBA career and would eventually be replaced by both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in the backcourt, and is currently a free agent.
The Pistons picked Hayes ahead of solid NBA players like Obi Toppin, Devin Vassell, and Aaron Nesmith, and before stars like Tyrese Maxey and Tyrese Haliburton, who play the same position.
Hayes last suited up in the NBA in March of last season for the Brooklyn Nets, but he is eyeing an NBA comeback.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesKillian Hayes never found much NBA success
Hayes was touted as a high-level point guard with a solid frame, decent athleticism, and good instincts on both ends of the ball. In Detroit, he was actually a solid defender, although Hayes’ scoring abilities made him borderline unplayable.
Before coming stateside, he spent two seasons playing pro ball in Europe and was expected to be rather polished for his age, although he never panned out.
LeagueTeamsGPPPGRPGAPGSPGFG%3PT%NBAPistons, Nets2168.12.95.21.238.3%28.1%G-LeagueLong Island Nets1820.85.57.62.248.2%41.7%Euro LeagueCholet, Ulm527.42.03.40.944.5%27.4%Killian Hayes’ Career Stats
Of course, playing for the Pistons to start his career didn’t help. In four seasons under Dwane Casey and Monty Williams, Hayes and Detroit went 74-244, and he was often utilized as a true, starting-caliber point guard when it was long clear that he would best be served in a bench role as a defensive specialist.
Even the most diehard Pistons fans will admit that, despite his shortcomings, the lack of development was not his fault, and given the right situation, he could find his NBA footing.
Killian Hayes has ‘attracted interest’ from some top teams, refused all offers so far
Hayes spent last season playing in the Nets’ organization, mostly with the G League Long Island Nets.
While NBA teams, for now, have yet to show interest, he has received several offers from some of the top teams in Europe.
“Hayes attracted interest from several European clubs, including ASVEL, which reportedly made him a strong offer,” reported the staff at Eurohoops. “However, the French-American guard declined, choosing to stay focused on pursuing opportunities in the NBA rather than returning to Europe.”
In addition to ASVEL, Real Madrid in Spain and Anadolu Efes in Türkiye have also made offers, although Hayes has made it clear that he is eying an NBA return.
Teams like the Nets and Utah Jazz have the roster space to add him and could offer some developmental opportunities, and teams that could use some backcourt defensive help, like the Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers, could also be suitors if injuries pile up early in the season.