It might not be long until Killian Hayes is competing on NBA courts again as the former Detroit Pistons lottery pick is making a strong argument for another shot at the big leagues.
Hayes’ first go in the NBA after being selected 7th overall in 2020 by Detroit didn’t go as planned as injuries and inconsistencies mounted and he didn’t make it through his rookie deal with the team.
But now, Hayes is making waves in the G League with the Cleveland Charge (Cavaliers affiliate) and was named G League Player of the Week on Tuesday.
To open the regular season, Hayes averaged 26.3 points, 9.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds across the first four games, where the Charge went 4-0.
Hayes, 24, might not have lived up to the lottery-pick billing for Detroit — averaging 8.1 points, 5.2 assists and 2.9 rebounds across 210 games with the Pistons — but it looks like he’s out to get himself back into the NBA after some time away.
Following his stint with Detroit, Hayes signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2024. While he spent most of the season in the G League — without showing nearly the same promise as this year — Hayes signed a 10-day contract for the Nets in February 2025 and started five games for a depleted roster.
Hayes posted nine points, 5.2 assists and three rebounds across six total games, which wasn’t enough to earn another 10-day deal. His last game was March 1, 2025 against Detroit.
Nothing is certain, but Hayes seems like a strong candidate to earn a call up to the NBA if he continues performing at this level.
The first day NBA teams could sign players to standard 10-day contracts was Jan. 5 and Jan. 7 is the final day players who have non-guaranteed salaries can be waived before those deals become guaranteed.
Given Hayes isn’t a two-way player or on assignment from Cleveland, he can be signed by any NBA team off the Charge that offers him an opportunity.