Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes the early favorite to start at point guard

The Detroit Pistons are ready to roll with their rookie point guard, Killian Hayes. On Sunday, head coach Dwane Casey revealed he was the favorite to start.

The Detroit Pistons drafted Killian Hayes seventh overall in the 2020 NBA draft (not even three weeks ago!) and according to head coach Dwane Casey during Sunday’s media availability, the organization is ready to roll with him as the starting point guard when the season begins on December 23rd.

According to Casey:

"“He’s got the keys, but I can pull it back at any time. He’s very coachable. Anytime you have a rookie point guard, there’s a learning curve.”"

This is certainly an investment of trust on the part of the Pistons, especially at the point guard position. It takes a while for even the best to learn how to handle the physicality, speed and savvy of the NBA game, but Casey appears willing to let him learn from the starter’s role.

The decision to start Hayes could benefit not only him, but maximize and preserve Derrick Rose‘s impact off the bench. He was at his best last season coming off the bench on a minutes restriction but was forced into full-time starter’s action once injuries ravaged the roster.

As for Hayes himself, he’s saying all the right things:

"“It’s all work, I just got here and I need to prove myself. I’m like everybody else, I need to earn my spot and work hard.”"

Hayes stood out in his first day of camp, according to Casey, with three or four blocked shots. To give some perspective, Rose had 16 blocks all of last season in 1,298 minutes.

It likely won’t be an easy process for Killian Hayes as he takes on the mantle of starting point guard for the Detroit Pistons, but it’s more clear than ever as training camp begins that the future is now in the Motor City.

We’ll get an idea of just what that looks like on Friday when the Pistons begin their preseason.