The Pistons are hoping Killian Hayes is their point guard of the future.
Their best point guard of all time thinks Hayes is in the right place to reach his potential.
"I only know what I’ve seen on film and what their needs are, and he fits what their needs are," Isiah Thomas said on NBA TV after Detroit drafted Hayes seventh overall Wednesday night. "He’s a ball handler, he’s a distributor, he has good size -- and not only does he have good size, but he also has potential.
"Detroit is a city that will embrace versatile players. He can play out on the perimeter, he's got a good shot, he can put it on the floor, he looks for others."
The 6'5 Hayes, who turned 19 in July, put up 11.6 points and 5.4 assists per game last season in the top professional league in Germany.
In Detroit, he'll have the benefit of playing under a coach in Dwane Casey with a track record of developing young talent. He'll also get to learn the point guard position in the NBA from a former MVP.
"I think he’s in the perfect situaiton because he’ll be under the tutelage of Derrick Rose, and we know what type of work ethic Derrick Rose has," Thomas said. "I think it's important for when rookies come in, particularly at the guard position, to learn from someone how has a great work ethic and is willing teach them, so I like that pick for Detroit."