Detroit Pistons: 4 prospects to target in the 2020 NBA Draft
By Evan Wheeler
The Popular Pick: Killian Hayes, G, Ratiopharm Ulm
Outside of LaMelo Ball, Hayes seems to be one of the most polarizing prospects in this entire class. I already looked at Hayes extensively when we looked at some of the prospects the Atlanta Hawks could select in this year’s draft. The two names linked most with Detroit are Hayes and Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton, both making sense with the theme of bringing in a playmaker to their roster.
Hayes would be the bigger swing for the fences pick of the two in my opinion and could end up being a steal at seven. Some view him as the next James Harden or Manu Ginobili, while many others see him as a below-the-rim guard who is an inconsistent shooter.
For a team who was 28th in pace (97.86), 26th in fast-break points (724), and whose best playmaker was Derrick Rose a season ago, Hayes could be a much-needed remedy for a sluggish offense. I think he would be a really great compliment in the pick and roll alongside Wood while allowing players like Maker and Doumbouya to excel more in the open floor.
Drafting Hayes or any other guard also allows the Pistons to feel even more comfortable in moving Rose in any potential trade. He might be a boom-or-bust player in some people eyes or the next coming of Harden in others; either way Hayes would make sense for Detroit and be a nice fit with their young bigs.