Detroit Pistons rookie Killian Hayes struggled throughout the preseason with his shot, but the seventh overall pick knows he can be better and is working toward 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 3-point range. The 19-year-old shot 44.5% from the field in three seasons overseas and knows there is work to do to get back to that level.
He closed the preseason on Saturday by producing 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 99-96 loss to the Washington Wizards. He knocked in a few 3-pointers and converted a four-point play after getting fouled on a shot attempt.
Following a game earlier this week, Hayes opted to stay in the arena to put up more shots after he went 2-of-11 from the field versus the New York Knicks. The move was simply to try anything to get back into a rhythm.
“I’m just trying to get comfortable,” Hayes said on Saturday. “I’m just trying to get my shot back, get my groove back. I wasn’t satisfied with the second game against New York. I feel like I had to come back out there and just get some extra reps.”
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Given the circumstances of a shortened preseason and training camp period, the Pistons know it will take time for Hayes and the rest of the team to knock off all of the rust. Pistons head coach Dwane Casey is confident Hayes will find his shot and isn’t concerned with his slow start.
Overall, Hayes bounced back from a tough preseason debut, in which he committed seven turnovers, and has looked increasingly more comfortable in each game since then. He will have the opportunity to play through his mistakes this season and that should help his development.
Detroit kicks off the regular season on Wednesday vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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