Detroit Pistons rookie Killian Hayes has been cleared to resume on-court basketball activities after showing significant improvement from a right hip subluxation, the team announced on Tuesday.
Of course, Hayes suffered the injury on Jan. 4 versus the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pistons announced on Jan. 20 that Hayes would be re-evaluated in eight weeks after further evaluation indicated surgery would not be required on the injury.
Hayes will now begin a phased progression plan toward his return to full-contact practice and game action. The process will continue for another three weeks and he will be re-evaluated at the end of that period, likely clearing the way for Hayes to return this season.
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Pistons general manager Troy Weaver last week offered an encouraging update on Hayes’ rehab and hinted that Hayes would be cleared to return in the near future.
“He is progressing well,” Weaver said on March 9. “It has been exciting to see him grow and come back from his setback. He has been working diligently. We’re excited to have him join the team here shortly.”
Hayes is viewed as a significant building block for the future of the Pistons, along with several other rookies. The team prioritized his development prior to his injury and wanted to give him the opportunity to log heavy minutes to adjust to the NBA game.
Guess who’s back for on-court activities? 👀⚡️#DetroitUp | @iam_killian pic.twitter.com/XMN5ObMygh
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) March 16, 2021
The organization will certainly be cautious with his return but it appears as though Hayes could soon join the team back on the court. In seven games, Hayes is averaging 4.6 points and 3.6 assists this season.
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