Grading all 4 Detroit Pistons picks in the 2020 NBA draft
By Duncan Smith
Detroit Pistons pick No. 7: Killian Hayes
This is a pick that almost made itself. The Pistons were high on Killian Hayes throughout the draft process and it stands to reason that perhaps they had nefarious intentions when they proclaimed so loudly how much they loved Patrick Williams, elevating him from perhaps a second-round pick to a top-10 caliber prospect.
The Chicago Bulls took the bait and drafted Williams fourth overall, clearing the path for Hayes to slide easily into the Pistons’ grasp. In Hayes, the Pistons hope they have a player who could become a high-level performer, somebody they can view as a franchise cornerstone. It’s something the Pistons really haven’t had in a draft pick since Andre Drummond, and we know how that ended up for all parties.
Hayes has a physical game that Weaver likes, and while his athleticism and explosiveness are wanting, he may be the most gifted playmaker (aside from LaMelo Ball, perhaps) in this draft class. His IQ could make a big difference as he finds his way in the NBA, and it stands to reason that learning under an NBA coach like Dwane Casey could propel him forward as well.
For the Pistons, Hayes was the only pick, but in past years the organization has dropped the ball on picks that seemed obvious. They didn’t try to outsmart themselves and they made the correct selection. For the both the player and the decision-making process that got them here, the Pistons can’t get anything other than an A.