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The first half of 2024 proved challenging for Killian Hayes, who found himself without an NBA team and cut from France’s national team ahead of the Olympics. However, Hayes is now back in the NBA, having signed a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
The signing was first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who noted that the 6-foot-5 guard will “have a chance to compete for a roster spot.”
Hayes, a former lottery pick, was initially seen as the future point guard for the Detroit Pistons when he was selected seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. This high expectation was based on his successful professional career overseas with Cholet Basket in France and Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. However, his tenure in Detroit was marked by inconsistent play and poor shooting, leading to increasing criticism from Pistons fans.
In four seasons with the Pistons, Hayes averaged 8.1 points per game, shooting 41% from the field and a disappointing 27.7% from three-point range. Despite showing potential, he struggled with his shooting, never surpassing 30% from beyond the arc, which affected the team’s scoring and spacing. Last season, Hayes averaged 6.9 points per game through 42 games, shooting a career-high 41% from the field but still falling short of 30% from three-point range.
With the Pistons undergoing significant roster changes at this year’s NBA trade deadline, Hayes no longer fit into their future plans. Reports from his camp indicated he wanted to leave the Pistons, and the franchise honored his request by waiving him.
Adding to his challenges, Hayes was cut from the French national team in June ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Now, with a fresh start in Brooklyn, Hayes has a new opportunity to prove himself in the NBA.
