Killian Hayes’ Nets roster possibilities face damage pace bump

Killian Hayes is battling for his NBA life at Brooklyn Nets coaching camp. After 4 disappointing seasons with the Detroit Pistons, the previous No. 7 decide signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Nets this summer season. Non-guaranteed coaching camp invitations have little margin for error as they battle for a roster spot.

In Hayes’ case, an damage might seal his destiny earlier than he ever received an actual likelihood with Brooklyn.

The 23-year-old has been battling a hip ailment over the past week. He missed the Nets’ first preseason sport and was dominated out forward of Monday’s dwelling matchup with the Washington Wizards.

Hayes’ struggles had been well-chronicled all through his Pistons tenure. Whereas he possesses glorious measurement (6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan) defensively at level guard, he by no means developed his outdoors shot, changing 27.7 % of his threes with Detroit. Former Pistons normal supervisor Troy Weaver pointed to Hayes’ capturing struggles after the crew waived him halfway by final season.

Nevertheless, Hayes has mentioned he is viewing the Nets as a “redraft” into the NBA. Regardless of his premature damage, head coach Jordi Fernandez likes what he is seen.

“Killian’s received a great really feel for the sport,” Fernandez mentioned. “He’s like a real level guard, very younger… He is mentioned it’s like his second draft and you’ll inform he’s approaching this [the right way]. I don’t know the way he was earlier than, and I don’t care, however he looks as if he’s mature, he works day-after-day, he’s very dedicated, and he’s recognized precisely what he must do on this atmosphere. So he’s combating for a possibility, and I actually recognize that as a result of he’s simply elevating the bar for everyone else.”

Whereas Hayes has made a great preliminary impression, he’ll must showcase his abilities in opposition to one other crew if he hopes to safe a roster spot.

Who’s Hayes’ competitors for Nets’ closing roster spot?

Hayes is not eligible for a two-way contract, having performed over three NBA seasons. Keon Johnson is the favourite to safe Brooklyn’s closing roster spot after the crew transformed him from a two-way contract to a two-year, normal deal this offseason. Nevertheless, solely $250,000 of Johnson’s wage is assured for 2024-25, opening the door for an additional participant to pry the spot away.

Exterior of Johnson, Hayes is competing with fellow Exhibit 10 signings Amari Bailey and Tyrese Martin. Of the three, he’s the one participant ineligible to signal a two-way contract.

“He’s labored actually laborious the entire time we’ve had him right here. He’s been actually good in camp,” Fernandez mentioned when requested if Hayes’ damage makes it tough to guage him. “Sadly, a majority of these minor accidents occur. However it’s nothing severe, so he’ll be again quickly, and I’d wish to see him on the court docket. We’ll see the way it performs out, however to date I’m proud of him and the whole lot he’s performed.”

Hayes could have two extra preseason video games to get again on the ground earlier than roster cuts.