“I’ve been working for all year, just getting back in the league, and I’m just super grateful, man.” Killian Hayes reflected on his journey after signing a two-year deal with the Sacramento Kings over the weekend.
When drafted by the Detroit Pistons 7th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Hayes didn’t live up to expectations with that team. Spending four seasons with them, he eventually landed in the NBA G League.
The benefit of his draft being over half a decade ago, and having a couple of changes of scenery since then, is that he no longer has those expectations attached to him.
Last month, he signed a 10-day deal with Sacramento and earned another when it concluded. In the 11 games he played during that time, Hayes averaged 4.9 points and 3.7 assists on 31.1 percent from the field.
While those numbers are certainly below what he would prefer, Kings head coach Doug Christie has repeatedly praised his skill set as a traditional point guard that goes beyond putting the ball in the basket.
Sunday’s showing against the Utah Jazz was his best since joining the team, tallying 16 points and eight assists in 38 minutes of action.
“I think he’s a good young player, and I think that we may have found something in him, and now we just got to pour into him,” Christie said following that performance.
The 6’4 guard was lighting the G-League on fire this season, averaging 24.6 points and 7.7 assists on 46.1 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from three on 7.6 attempts per game. Hence, his new head coach has expressed concern about his scoring with Sacramento.
General manager Scott Perry was clear about the need to address their lack of a starting point guard when he took the job last offseason. Russell Westbrook, who filled that role for most of this season, is on an expiring deal.
The two-year deal Hayes agreed to includes the remainder of 2025-26, with a large benefit being the opportunity to work with him throughout the offseason. He will have the chance to center his work around what he knows an organization specifically wants from him, and confidence that he’ll be on an NBA roster next season.
“There was ups and downs, but I feel like I just wanted to bet on myself,” Hayes said when reflecting on his journey. “Throughout the season, just not knowing, you never know what can happen. And just, you know, trusting my work, trusting just every game, just putting myself to in that position and get back here. So coming back here, like I said, like it’s all glory to God man. I can’t explain it. And just grateful again.”
The final stretch of this season should be good opportunity for Hayes to continue to play through mistakes, even if his role on next season’s team is unpredictable at this point.
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will face old friend De’Aaron Fox and the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night at Golden 1 Center.
San Antonio is 2-0 against the Kings this season, including a 139-122 win over Sacramento in the most recent meeting on February 21st.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Tuesday, March 17th vs. San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 19th vs. Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, March 22nd vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
Tuesday, March 24th – @ Charlotte Hornets – 4:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 26th – @ Orlando Magic – 4:00 PM PT
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