How Killian Hayes has adjusted his game for fresh NBA start

Hayes had been playing for the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, following the end of his four-year stint with the Detroit Pistons. Selected seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, he struggled to find his footing in Detroit due to a combination of injuries and stagnating development, ultimately leading to his release in February 2024. 

His offensive struggles, particularly with shooting, had long been a concern, but Hayes has recently shown significant improvement.

To start the 2024-25 G League campaign, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.8 steals in the Tip-Off Tournament, though his shooting woes persisted—hitting just 29 percent from three-point range. However, once the regular season began, his production took a dramatic leap.

Through 13 regular-season games, Hayes posted 21 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game while shooting 40.3 percent from three on 5.5 attempts—one of the best marks in the league. Defensively, he has also made a statement, leading the G League with 2.8 steals per game.

His breakout moment came on February 13, when he erupted for a season-high 30 points against the Maine Celtics, shooting 13-of-23 from the field and knocking down three triples. He added six rebounds, five assists and three steals in a complete all-around performance.

Long considered a poor shooter, Hayes has taken meaningful strides during his G League stint. While maintaining a 40 percent three-point clip at the NBA level is unlikely, even approaching the league average of 35.9 percent would significantly bolster his chances of sticking in the league. His playmaking has never been in doubt, and his defensive resurgence only strengthens his case.

Brooklyn initially assigned Hayes to Long Island as he recovered from a hip injury over the summer, which may explain his slow start in the Tip-Off Tournament. But his recent performances suggest he is fully recovered and ready for another shot in the NBA.