Should Rockets Take a Flier on Killian Hayes?

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Rockets
By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated 2/20/24

The Detroit Pistons made waves on the NBA Trade Deadline when they released former seventh overall pick, point guard Killian Hayes. Hayes had a very disappointing three and a half years in Detroit, but at only 22 years old, still has some NBA potential.

With Fred VanVleet still out with a groin injury and yet to be reevaluated, the Houston Rockets, who have slipped out of playoff contention, could sign Hayes to finish out the season and see if a change of scenery is enough to revitalize his career.

In 210 games with the Pistons, Hayes averaged 8.1 points, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and had a horrible 38.2 field goal percentage. His lack of offense is the key reason why the Pistons were unable to trade him before the deadline.

Hayes was unable to develop in Detroit because the Pistons did not provide any spacing whatsoever. Outside of Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart, no current Piston who has played more than 30 games has shot better than 35 percent from deep.

Unfortunately, the Rockets are 27th in the league in three-point percentage, so Hayes would face the same issue in Houston.

That being said, Hayes is a solid defender who can get players the ball in the right spot. While he might not add any wins, he could speed up the development of Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, and also take away some ball-handling duties from Jalen Green, who could get open for better shots.

If the Rockets are serious about winning, adding Hayes is not the right move to make. If Houston wants to improve the play of their young players, allowing Hayes to finish the season in Houston might be beneficial. It is the rare low-risk, low-reward move, as Hayes, even an improved version, will not move the needle for the Rockets.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Rockets and was syndicated with permission.

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