Due to a shortened preparation period heading to the 2020-2021 NBA season, rookies like Detroit Pistons youngster Killian Hayes didn't have the full benefit of playing in the summer league or having a longer training camp to start their rookie campaign.
The 19-year-old swingman didn't have the best of starts in his preseason debut against the New York Knicks where he only came out with a meager output of five points, four rebounds, and three assists through 21 minutes of action. His veteran teammate in Derrick Rose went on to backstop Hayes who was criticized for his dismal performance.
“You’re kind of throwing all these kids into the fire,” Pistons veteran Derrick Rose said via Michigan Live. “I get that. Tonight, I told (Hayes), ‘Don’t really worry about how the game went or how you played.’ Of course, because he’s a perfectionist, he’s going to think about it.”
While Killian Hayes struggled from the field, his fellow rookie teammate in forward Saddiq Bey had a completely different performance in his first preseason game. The former Villanova product chalked up 14 points, two rebounds, and an assist in 19 minutes played.
Derrick Rose also added 10 points and two assists in 18 minutes while Blake Griffin tallied nine points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 22 minutes. In the end, their collaborative efforts still weren't enough to defeat the Knicks who had several double-digit contributors on their side en route to snagging a 90-84 victory.
The two teams will have another matchup in preseason proceedings come December 13 and hopefully, Killian Hayes will get to bounce back and have a better outing this time around for the Pistons.
Follow Us
Subscribe