The biggest question for the Detroit Pistons heading into the 2020 NBA Draft was whether they would stand pat at No. 7 or if they would trade up or down.
Well, we now know the Pistons decided to stay at No. 7 and they have used that pick to select PG Killian Hayes out of Ulm.
Sources: Detroit is selecting Killian Hayes with the No. 7 pick in the NBA Draft.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 19, 2020
From ESPN:
Hayes resurfaced as a potential top-10 pick in part thanks to the freedom he has had with Ulm, where he started all 30 games, played more than 25 MPG and had the opportunity to show his talent. Although the club had an up-an-down season, Hayes’ positional size, passing creativity and off-the-dribble shooting potential really stood out to scouts. –– Schmitz
Strengths
- Great size for a lead guard at 6-5. Strong frame. Has the tools to defend either guard spot when fully motivated. Can change speeds and directions with the ball. Fairly fluid athlete who can use his size to overpower smaller guards.
- Comfortable pick-and-roll player with three-level scoring potential and creativity as a passer when he’s able to get to his left hand. Has also improved as a shooter. Can rise into midrange pull-ups or even bounce out to 3 with step-backs. Shows glimpses of finesse as a finisher with his left hand in the paint.
- Fairly experienced and productive for his age having played 72 pro games (BBL, France Pro A, EuroCup). Should be able to have an instant impact if he’s in a situation where the ball is in his hands.
Improvement areas
- Average athletically both in terms of burst and vertical explosion. Struggles with aggressive ball pressure. Turned the ball over on 25% of his possessions. Can change speeds and directions but doesn’t quite have the shiftiness to beat rangy defenders off the dribble consistently. Will have to become a more consistent shooter to combat that. Doesn’t get to the free throw line at a high rate.
- Extremely left-hand dominant as a driver, passer and finisher. Lack of willingness to use his right hand limits him all over the floor.
- Defensive intensity comes and goes. Struggles with speedy guards. While improved, his approach to the game was a question in the past. How much of his success is a product of the freedom and volume he was given with Ulm? Has looked ordinary at times in camp settings when surrounded by strong athletes.
Projected role:Â Big playmaker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJoF2IPXEEM
Nation, how do you like this pick?
