5 second-year NBA players ready for a breakout season
By John Buhler
PG. Killian Hayes. 2. player. 64. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Detroit Pistons
Killian Hayes looks to bounce back after an injury-shortened rookie season
Who knows if the Detroit Pistons will be the least bit good? But you know what? They have this year’s favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year in No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, as well as one of the most promising backcourt players in the game in Killian Hayes. Had Hayes not suffered his devastating injury, there is a chance he may have won Rookie of the Year instead of LaMelo Ball.
In 26 games for the Pistons, Hayes averaged 6.8 points, 5.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game in 25.8 minutes per contest. Keep in mind he was playing for what was one of the worst teams in basketball from a season ago. Then again, the bottom of the Pistons really fell out once Hayes succumbed to injury. It may have been a blessing in disguise because they did land Cunningham.
Even more so, Hayes is entering his second year in the league with a big chip on his shoulder. He showed flashes of brilliance, but his rookie campaign was a frustrating one. While he may not play in any meaningful basketball games for a while, there is ample opportunity for him to grow in Dwane Casey’s system playing with Cunningham. The Pistons could overachieve considerably.
Hayes has the most variance of these five breakout candidates, but he could be something special.