Detroit Pistons rookie Killian Hayes produced seven points and three assists in his NBA debut on Wednesday but it was likely his four turnovers that will serve as the biggest learning moment from the contest.
Hayes recorded all seven of his points in the third quarter of the 111-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The seventh overall pick had a rather slow start to the contest and looked to be adjusting to his first game in the regular season but eventually found his footing in the third period.
The Pistons held a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter but were outscored 31-16 to lose the advantage, and the contest. Hayes logged only three minutes in the period but committed three turnovers late that ultimately helped swing the game in favor of the Timberwolves. On two separate occasions, Hayes tried to force an entry pass into the post to Blake Griffin. The pass was picked off both times by Ricky Rubio, which resulted in four points for the Timberwolves to tie the game with just over five minutes remaining.
Afterward, Griffin offered some words of encouragement to Hayes.
“We know what we did and to just move onto the next play,” Hayes said of his conversation with Griffin. “We can’t just stay stuck on one play forever. We’re just trying to boost each other and move on.”
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Pistons head coach Dwane Casey has said previously that Hayes will have the opportunity to play through his mistakes. Hayes started each of the Pistons’ preseason games and will likely have the opportunity to be a full-time starter this season, which will go a long way in his development in the NBA.
Casey reiterated that the team is not concerned with his mistakes.
“Rubio is one of the most clever guards in the league and [Hayes has to] understand he is [constantly] faking,” Casey said after the game. “He has gotta throw it to the hand or if you don’t like it, you don’t have to force it there. Those are things he’ll learn from, he’s a smart kid. We’re not worried about him whatsoever. Unfortunately, it just happened at a tough time of the game.”
Hayes showed throughout the preseason an ability to bounce back and learn from his mistakes. He had the opportunity to close out the game but was quickly pulled following his late miscues and that will undoubtedly serve as a great learning moment for the 19-year-old.
Detroit returns to action on Saturday vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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