Since taking over as general manager of the Detroit Pistons, Troy Weaver has been making move after move not only to attempt to improve the team in the short-term but also for the future.
In the 2020 NBA Draft, Weaver selected PG Killian Hayes No. 7 overall and according to James Edwards III of The Athletic — Edwards III is the best Pistons writer hands down — Hayes will be the Pistons starting point guard when the 2020-21 season begins.
As you can see below, in addition to Hayes, Edwards III has (SG) Svi Mykhailiuk, (SF) Jerami Grant, (PF) Blake Griffin, and (C) Mason Plumlee rounding out the starting five.
PG | SG | SF | PF | C | TWO-WAY |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Killian Hayes
|
Svi Mykhailiuk
|
Jerami Grant
|
Blake Griffin
|
Mason Plumlee
|
Saben Lee
|
Derrick Rose
|
Delon Wright
|
Saddiq Bey
|
Jerami Grant
|
Isaiah Stewart
|
Louis King
|
Delon Wright
|
Wayne Ellington
|
Josh Jackson
|
S. Doumbouya
|
S. Doumbouya
|
|
R. McGruder
|
Dzanan Musa
|
Jahlil Okafor
|
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Here is what Edwards III has to say about Killian Hayes starting at the point.
Remember, Pistons coach Dwane Casey was adamant last season that Derrick Rose, due to his injury history, was better-suited coming off the bench. It’s an easier way for Casey to manage Rose’s minutes. Rose did start 15 of 50 games in 2019-20, but almost all of those came after Reggie Jackson was bought out near the end of the season.
I can’t see why Casey’s philosophy on Rose would change. If anything, it would only hold even more firm. Rose enters this season on an expiring contract and is the most likely candidate to be traded by the deadline. Detroit won’t want to risk injury for him.
And the Pistons are prioritizing youth and development. Hayes was the No. 7 pick. There’s a lot riding on him working out as Weaver’s first selection at the helm. Expect him to get thrown into the fire right away.
Nation, do you think Hayes will start at the one over Rose?