Deni Avdija, Devin Vassell, Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith and Cole Anthony. All were drafted in 2020, behind Killian Hayes, and they took advantage of the summer to secure an extension. Which is not the case for the French leader of the Pistons, under pressure this season since he will be a protected “free agent” next July.
A complicated situation that he seems to be managing rather well since he has just had a remarkable week with two points at 21 and 23 points, 50% shooting, including 40% from 3-point range. Not enough to prevent Detroit from stringing together seven defeats, but the Frenchman is a real satisfaction as a complement to Cade Cunningham for his coach.
The most complementary of Cade Cunningham?
“I just think that’s how (GM) Troy Weaver envisioned him playing.” explains Monty Williams, who trusts him. “It’s about being aggressive, making shots and playing with confidence. »
A young witness to this progression, Ausar Thompson believes that the rise of Killian Hayes is beneficial to Cade Cunningham. “Killian does a lot, and I think he takes some pressure off Cade.”, analyzes the interesting Pistons rookie. “Defenses are focusing on Cade. He reduces the pressure by moving up the field, he takes the pressure off Cade and a little of mine defensively. You’ve all seen it, it’s a dog on defense. He gives his all and never loses confidence in himself. »
Defense, priority for Monty Williams
Defensive qualities which allowed him to pass Jaden Ivey in the rotation, and to settle into Monty Williams’ starting five.
“The goals are pretty clear: we want to play a team style of basketball, and I’m more inclined to talk to the guys about defense and rebounding than offense” Monty Williams justified himself on the competition between Jaden Ivey and Killian Hayes. “When you defend and get rebounds, everything else takes care of itself. As far as Ivey is concerned, he is still a young player. And like I said before, I don’t give minutes. Minutes are worth it. »
| Killian Hayes | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | DET | 26 | 26 | 35.3 | 27.8 | 82.4 | 0.2 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 5.3 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 3.2 | 0.4 | 6.8 |
| 2021-22 | DET | 66 | 25 | 38.3 | 26.3 | 77.0 | 0.6 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 6.9 |
| 2022-23 | DET | 76 | 28 | 37.7 | 28.0 | 82.1 | 0.4 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 6.2 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 10.3 |
| 2023-24 | DET | 10 | 31 | 40.4 | 32.4 | 77.3 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 4.9 | 2.6 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 11.3 |
| Total | 178 | 27 | 37.7 | 27.8 | 80.0 | 0.4 | 2.6 | 3.0 | 5.3 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 8.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
