Subscribe
Follow Us
The Detroit Pistons took Killian Hayes with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, leaving Derrick Rose to mentor the young guard. While some veteran players would be upset with the situation, Rose is anxious to work with Hayes, per Rod Beard of the Detroit News.
#Pistons Derrick Rose on working with Killian Hayes: "I love his game; it's an honor to play with a talent like that.
"Me being 6-3, I'm like a dinosaur playing with guys like him."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) December 5, 2020
A season ago, Derrick Rose proved that he can still be a productive player in the NBA, posting 18.1 points and 5.6 assists per game for the Pistons. His 18.1 points and 5.6 assists per game were both the best marks of his career since his 2011-2012 season with the Chicago Bulls.
Even though Rose isn't the same explosive player he once was, he's still a capable starting point guard. However, as Rose pointed out, teams are beginning to prioritize drafting guards like Hayes, who are lengthier and can play both guard spots.
Rose also discussed how he's excited to work with Hayes, giving him a mentor role for the first time since he mentored Marquis Teague on the Bulls earlier in his career.
#Pistons Derrick Rose on working with Killian Hayes: "It's been a while since I had somebody like this (learning) under me. The last time was Marquis Teague. I'm excited to see how hard he works and the engine and motor he has."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) December 5, 2020
Seeing that Rose is set to become a free agent after the 2020-2021 season, the Pistons realize they need to begin looking for his possible replacement. While Derrick Rose is going to have a pivotal role in the upcoming season, he knows Hayes is who the franchise would love to see develop into the future starter.
#Pistons Derrick Rose on mentoring Killian Hayes: "I told him he was the future of the team…there's no competing. My job is to push him and groom him into a great player."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) December 5, 2020
There was once a time when Derrick Rose was considered a superstar at the point guard position, winning the league MVP in the 2010-2011 season. Now, at 32 years old, the three-time All-Star is now accepting a mentor role for Killian Hayes.
