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NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Rise of the Phoenix Suns

By Corey Rausch

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Detroit Pistons

Last Week: Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 132-108, Lost to Denver Nuggets 134-119, Beat Sacramento Kings 113-101, Lost to Portland Trail Blazers 118-103

This Week: 4/11 at LA Clippers, 4/14 vs. LA Clippers, 4/16 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 4/17 at Washington Wizards

The Detroit Pistons welcomed back Killian Hayes a little over a week ago and the connection between the rookie and his French compatriot Sekou Doumbouya will define their development for the rest of the season. They are far from the only young players on the team, but given that Hayes was the highest draft pick the team made this season, his development is paramount.

So far Hayes has struggled to score the ball but seems far more comfortable as a passer and defender than he did before the injury. He throws a highlight pass multiple times per game that leaves fans dreaming of more. Pairing him with Doumbouya or Hamidou Diallo has allowed for feats of athleticism that the Motor City fans are not accustomed to.

Doumbouya has benefitted greatly from the return of Hayes. In the four games the second-year player has appeared in since the return, he is averaging 8.3 points and 3.0 rebounds a game. More importantly, he is now playing 17.0 minutes per game, up from 12.6 up until that point. Doumbouya is clearly more confident the more he gets on the court and is playing up to his abilities more than ever before. The French revolution is an essential part of the Pistons’ rebuilding efforts, making them the x-factors to watch.