Detroit Pistons rookie Killian Hayes had trouble throughout the preseason with his shot, but the seventh pick knows he’s better and is working towards finding his shot.
Hayes averaged 7.8 points, three rebounds and 2.5 assists in four games but shot just 28.6% (10-of-35) from the field and 22.2% (4-of-18) from a 3-point range. . The 19-year-old shot 44.5% off the field in three seasons abroad and knows there is work to be done to get back to that level.
He closed out the preseason Saturday by averaging 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 99-96 loss to the Washington Wizards. He hit a few 3-pointers in the game and even turned a four-point playback after going salted on a bullet attempt.
After a game earlier in the week, Hayes opted to stay back within range to post more shots after going 2-of-11 off the field against the New York Knicks. The movement was just to try anything to get back into rhythm.
“I’m just trying to be comfortable,” Hayes said Saturday. “I’m just trying to get my picture back, get my groove back. I was not satisfied with the second game against New York. I feel like I have to come out there and get more reps. ”
With the preseason situation and a shorter training camp, the Pistons know it will take time for Hayes and the rest of the team to put all the rust off. Pistons head coach Dwane Casey is confident Hayes will find his bullet and has no worries about a slow start.
Overall, Hayes kicked back from a tense preseason debate, in which he made seven turns, and has looked more comfortable in every game ever since. He will have a chance to play through his mistakes this season and that should help improve.
Detroit starts the regular season on Wednesday vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves.