Coach Dwane Casey‘s experiment of moving Killian Hayes to the bench is working exactly as expected, writes Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press. The second-year point guard is a natural ball-handler, but he often wound up in a secondary role when the Pistons started him alongside Cade Cunningham.
Casey made the move on January 23 and Hayes’ all-around game has benefited, Sankofa observes. He’s running the offense with the second unit and is getting to the basket more often. He has been on the court at the end of games lately, and Casey is happy with the way he has responded.
“Him going to the bench was never anything about mistrust,” Casey said after Tuesday’s game vs. Washington. “It was about him fitting in with the second unit. He’s still going to be a part of our core. I think his decisions were good tonight. His defense was decent. Keeping (Wizards guard) Ish Smith in front of him is not easy. This is what this is about for him, growing.”
There’s more from Detroit:
- The opportunity that Isaiah Livers has been waiting all season for has finally arrived, per James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. The 2021 second-round pick had foot surgery last April and was sidelined through the preseason. He made his NBA debut on December 16, but only played five minutes before the foot started hurting again. He and the Pistons agreed that more rehab was necessary, but now he says he’s fully healthy and ready to contribute. Casey was hoping to see him in action before the season ended and believes he has a bright future. “I think Isaiah’s going to be a player,” Casey said. “He’s a shooter, and you can’t get enough of those guys to stretch the floor. He has size, he’s smart. He’s the full package.”
- Casey deserves credit for keeping his team focused and competitive even though wins have been rare, several players tell Edwards in a separate story. The coach has respect from his players for all that he has accomplished in his NBA career, and he gives them the freedom to talk openly about issues that affect the team.
- Finally having a healthy roster is giving the Pistons a chance to enjoy a little late-season success, notes Lauren Williams of MLive. Detroit has won three of its last six games and was competitive in the three losses. “I think it just shows our progression as a team,” said Jerami Grant, who missed significant time with a thumb injury. “Earlier in the season we (would) win a game and then we lose a game by 20 or something like that. But I think it’s showing how much better we got it the team. Right now, we just got to pull out these wins and just keep moving forward.”
The Killian Hayes story is really the Cory Joseph story. But way to frame it coach Casey so Hayes does not feel bad, and youth is served.
If that sounds too sarcastic, this: credit for Ish Smith crediting.
Couldn’t disagree more. There are two reasons Cory Joseph is starting: he is a better fit with Cade on court because he works better off the ball than Killian (Casey stated this obvious point) and he plays for the Pistons.
I am a Detroit fan who has watched every second of every game this season. Regardless, my opinion is still just that.
That’s what I’m talkin’bout: Joseph fits better, so starts.
However the story above was told by Casey from Hayes’ viewpoint, so to ease him into not starting. Casey did NOT say, *Joseph starts and now matters more*.
Not sure where you disagree.
I think what is going on in Detroit is definitely interesting to say the least.
They’re slowly but surely, year by year adding more and more young talent to their growing core, and I think in likely another successful offseason or two could vault them up the standings.
Saddiq Bey is one of the most underrated young studs in the game, and at just 22 years old, he and fellow 20 year olds Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart should all combine to be their main driving force towards their next playoff appearance.
It isn’t just them three though that’s part of their growing young core. They acquired a rejuvenated 22 year old Marvin Bagley III, who could pair with Cunningham, Bey, and Stewart to make a very solid and young starting quartet alongside Jerami Grant.
Then, leading their second unit is 20 year old Killian Hayes, who is improving slowly but surely in his second season. He will be joined in the second unit by the 23 year old Luka Garza, who is improving into a serviceable backup Center. Next, those two are joined by 22 year old guard and 23 year old wing Frank Jackson and H.Diallo. Then, last but not least, they also have the article’s young, aforementioned power forward in Isaiah Livers to round out their second unit.
They also have some other young projects like 22 year old’s Saban Lee and Cassius Stanley, but they both have a ways to go before they’re able to prove themselves worthy of remaining core pieces moving forward..
Either way, with a starting five of Cunningham, Grant, Stewart, Bey, Bagley III, and Grant, the Pistons could make a little noise next season as this young group grows together, continues to progress and build chemistry, and especially if the Pistons are able to add some more talent, depth, and complimentary pieces around their young and growing team.
They’re a scrappy bunch when they’re all healthy, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see them make a big leap forward next season, if they’re able to add another young stud early in the draft, and especially if they are able to upgrade their bench by adding some shooting to go alongside or upgrade and take a current spot held by Diallo, Jackson, Livers, and/or Garza..
Meh
Agree with all except Garza. He is a big question mark in their future. He most likely has a nice career overseas thoguh.
O could definitely see Garza carving out himself a career as a backup center off the bench. I’m not saying they couldn’t upgrade from Garza, but I think he will at least be a serviceable rotation piece moving forward..