Killian Hayes, the 19-year-old French point guard, has had a rollercoaster start to his NBA career. After being drafted seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft, Hayes struggled to find his footing on a rebuilding team. However, after being waived by the Pistons, Hayes was given a chance with the Brooklyn Nets on a 10-day contract. Unfortunately, that contract has expired and Hayes once again finds himself without a team. But this does not mean that his NBA journey is over. In fact, according to Bovada, the Phoenix Suns are the odds-on favorites to land Hayes for next season.
The Phoenix Suns are currently enjoying a successful season, sitting at the second spot in the Western Conference with a record of 40-16. Led by two-time All-Star Devin Booker and veteran point guard Chris Paul, the Suns have emerged as a strong contender in the West. However, with Paul turning 37 this year, the Suns will need to think about their future at the point guard position. This is where Killian Hayes comes in.
Despite his struggles in Detroit, Hayes is still considered a promising young player with a lot of potential. Standing at 6’5″, he has great size for a point guard and possesses excellent playmaking abilities. He has a great feel for the game and is known for his court vision and passing skills. With the right development and guidance, Hayes has the potential to become a key piece in any team’s backcourt.
The Suns have a strong core in Booker, Paul, and big man Deandre Ayton. However, adding a young and talented point guard like Hayes to their roster would only make them stronger. With Paul as his mentor, Hayes could learn a lot and improve his game. He could also provide valuable minutes off the bench, giving Paul some much-needed rest during the regular season.
But it’s not just the Suns who could benefit from having Hayes on their team. The young point guard has also caught the attention of other teams in the league. The New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors are among the teams that have shown interest in Hayes. This is a testament to his potential and shows that he still has a bright future in the NBA.
After being waived by the Pistons, Hayes has been working hard on his game and staying ready for his next opportunity. He has been training with former NBA player and coach, Rasheed Wallace, who has praised Hayes’ work ethic and skills. With the right mindset and determination, Hayes is ready to make a strong comeback in the league.
In addition to his on-court abilities, Hayes also brings a winning mentality to any team he joins. He was a key player on the French national team that won the gold medal at the FIBA U16 European Championship in 2017. He also helped lead the German team, ratiopharm Ulm, to the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) Finals in 2019. Hayes’ experience in high-pressure situations and winning culture would be a valuable asset to any team.
In conclusion, Killian Hayes may be without a team at the moment, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be back in the NBA soon. With the Phoenix Suns being the odds-on favorites to land him for next season, Hayes could find himself in a great situation to continue his development and reach his full potential. His skills, work ethic, and winning mentality make him an attractive prospect for any team looking to strengthen their backcourt. So, while Hayes may be without a home right now, his future in the NBA is bright and full of potential.
