Killian Hayes (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
After being waived by the Detroit Pistons on Feb. 8 of last year, Killian Hayes was a free agent for the first time in his career. The 2020 NBA Draft’s seventh overall pick could’ve mailed it in from there when it didn’t work out in Motown, but he instead chose to rebuild himself.
The road back to the league will continue with the Cleveland Charge, the G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers — and that is what drives him.
“Family, friends, they’re the ones who keep me pushing,” Hayes told RG Media in an exclusive sit-down interview on Charge Media Day. “And myself, honestly, ’cause at the end of the day, you’ve got to look at yourself in the mirror, so I keep myself going every day.
“Just my love for the game. Just want to keep going, keep grinding. Staying positive, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”
After healthy conversations over the summer, the Cavs signed the 24-year-old to an Exhibit 10 contract just before training camp started.
“I thought it was great,” Hayes said. “It was a good introduction to the coaches and the setups and settings they have here. I’ve been here since August, so getting to know everybody, getting familiar with the facility, everybody’s names, and everything. It’s been good.”
In Sept. 2024, Hayes signed his first E-10 deal with the Brooklyn Nets and spent training camp there with the understanding that he’d play a pivotal role for the Long Island Nets in the G League. He delivered on that promise, putting together a solid 34-game season in which he averaged 16.7 points, 7.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals in 32 minutes per night.
Charge general manager Liron Fanan explained that the first thing that drew the Cavs organization to Hayes was his experience.
“He’s been around,” Fanan said on Media Day. “I think last year he had a phenomenal year with Long Island. He improved his shot. He’s more of a floor general now. I think he got better in all these things that he needs.”
New Opportunities
The Nets rewarded him with a 10-day contract this past February, just over one year removed from his Pistons release. Hayes felt it went well.
In six contests, Hayes recorded his best field-goal percentage (41.9%) and three-point percentage (38.1%) since becoming a pro. He dished out over five assists per game, and scored 19 points and 17 points in back-to-back games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers at Barclays Center.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn let Hayes go once that deal was up. Fortunately, he’s found a new home after an offseason to reflect and let the chips fall where they may.
“My decision of coming here was just the belief in me that the front office have here in Cleveland,” Hayes said. “So just being here with the Charge, just keep being positive every day. They believe in me 100 percent, so that keeps me going.
“I think it’s been great. Honestly, from the coaches, the front office, my teammates, the Charge does a great job of taking care of us with whatever we need. And honestly, the coaching staff’s been perfect. I honestly can’t complain.”
Hayes has quickly become close with his fellow E-10 teammates, with whom he’ll be playing this upcoming campaign. He, Miller Kopp, Jaxson Robinson, Chaney Johnson, and Norchad Omier have clicked “automatically” because of the hours they’ve punched in since arriving.
The 6-foot-5, 195-pound guard wants to work on everything from shooting to ball-handling to defense, which is already his calling card. Coaches are telling Hayes they’re looking for physicality, vocal leadership, and being “a dawg” with full-court pressure on opposing guards.
“I feel like I’m not a complete player at all, and everything needs to be tuned and adjusted,” Hayes said. “It will come with opportunity. Just got to work and be patient.”
“There are a few more things we want to see from him, but I think he’s right there and can be back in the NBA,” Fanan added. “I mean, we’re talking about a lottery pick who’s still young. I think it’s never a bad thing to take a chance on the G League and take a look at [things].”
An Organization Built by Success
In the building with the Cavs, it’s been easy for Hayes to sense high spirits right away.
“That’s a testament to their success,” Hayes said. “I think they have a great team chemistry. There’s a great energy in the group, so I never felt left out or anything like that. Everybody just pushes each other, and it’s a very positive environment.”
As fun as it’s been to scrimmage and acclimate to his new franchise, Hayes is aching to lace up his shoes and get going. Practice is a part of the process, and a nagging hip injury kept him out of the Charge’s season opener in Iowa.
But when he heals up, it’ll be time to go, and Hayes wants to show what he’s made of.
There are no regrets about how he got here. That’s behind him, and now, it’s full-steam ahead.
“I think last year, making that decision of coming to the G was a big decision for me. So, I think this year is a little bit easier to just roll into things. I just feel great,” Hayes said.
“Honestly, I’m ready to get the season started. I’m tired of training camp. I’m just ready to get the games going and get into the flow of things. I’m here to play games and be competitive.”