Killian Hayes' Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Pistons Roster
The Detroit Pistons used the No. 7 pick of the 2020 NBA draft to select French point guard Killian Hayes.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Killian Hayes
Position: PG
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 216
Pro Comparison: Goran Dragic
Scouting Report: Killian Hayes could be the draft's most complete, well-rounded guard by the time he's peaked. He has 6'5" positional size, advanced passing instincts, body-controlled finishes, a sharp pull-up game and positive defensive awareness. Continuing to improve his shooting range could propel Hayes above the other ball-handlers in this class.
He will help add to the young talent already on the team's current roster.
Blake Griffin, PF: $34.2M (2022)
Tony Snell, SF: $12.2M (2021)
Trevor Ariza, SF: $12.5M (2021)
Derrick Rose, PG: $7.5M (2021)
Rodney McGruder, SG: $5M (2022)
Sekou Doumbouya, SF: $3.4M (2023)
Dzanan Musa, SG: $2M (2023)
Khyri Thomas, SG: $1.3M (2021)
Killian Hayes, PG: Rookie scale contract (2024)
Isaiah Stewart, PF: Rookie scale contract (2024)
Saddiq Bey, SF: Rookie scale contract (2024)
Brandon Knight, PG: UFA
John Henson, PF: UFA
Langston Galloway, SG: UFA
Thon Maker, C: RFA
Christian Wood, PF: UFA
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, SG: Team option
Jordan Bone, PG: RFA
Louis King, SF: RFA
Jordan McRae, G: RFA
After spending two seasons with Cholet in France, Hayes played last year with Germany's Ratiopharm Ulm, where he showed he can more than hold his own against older competition.
The 19-year-old was especially impressive in the EuroCup, averaging 12.8 points, 6.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 10 appearances. He also knocked down 39 percent of his shots from three-point range in this competition.
It's a continuation of a long history of success against top opponents, including an MVP award in the FIBA U16 European Championship in 2017.
Beyond the numbers, the 6'4" guard has an exciting skill set with the ability to consistently create shots for himself.
"In a league where perimeter shooting, playmaking, and defensive versatility are at a premium, Hayes is my top-ranked prospect in this year's class," Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer wrote in April.
Hayes now takes these skills to the NBA while possessing as much upside as anyone else in the class.
The shortened offseason could lead to a tough transition, but it's only a matter of time before he plays a key role for the Pistons.
The newest addition should rotate alongside Derrick Rose in the backcourt to provide a much-needed offensive upgrade for Detroit after ranking as one of the worst scoring teams in the NBA last season.
