Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez shared his thoughts on point guard Killian Hayes, who is aiming to secure a roster spot for the 2024-25 NBA season. Hayes, currently on an Exhibit-10 contract, has been hampered by a hip injury, preventing him from participating in preseason games.
Despite the injury, Fernandez expressed confidence in Hayes’ abilities. “I’ve seen him play live in practice and you guys haven’t… I’ve seen him and I’m very happy with him,” Fernandez said, according to Brian Lewis. The head coach noted that Hayes’ progress would be evaluated closely in collaboration with general manager Sean Marks.
Hayes, a former seventh overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is working to rejuvenate his career after his tenure with the Detroit Pistons. The 23-year-old is hoping to earn a spot in Brooklyn’s rotation as he looks to make a fresh start with the Nets.
Speaking about his move to Brooklyn, Hayes highlighted the positive interactions he had with the team’s front office. “Just talking to the GM… I came here and had a good talk, good workouts. I just feel good here,” Hayes said. He also mentioned that Brooklyn’s rebuild aligns with his own efforts to revive his career after an injury-plagued stint with the Pistons.
Hayes’ time in Detroit was marked by potential and promise, but injuries and inconsistent play limited his impact. In his rookie season, Hayes suffered a labral tear in his hip, sidelining him for several months. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, including a career-high 26 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in April 2022, Hayes struggled to solidify his role with the Pistons.
Waived by Detroit in February 2024, Hayes averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game last season, while playing 24 minutes per game. Despite his challenges, the French-American guard has shown strong defensive skills and playmaking abilities, posting several double-digit assist games during his career.
With the Nets, Hayes sees an opportunity to rebuild his game and regain his confidence. The organization’s current stage of development offers a fresh start, something Hayes hopes will help him make an impact. Fernandez’s positive evaluation of Hayes in practice suggests the guard could still be an asset for the Nets, even if he hasn’t had the chance to prove himself in preseason action.
The Brooklyn Nets are set to make final roster decisions soon, and Hayes’ performance in training camp, along with Fernandez’s assessment, will be crucial in determining his future with the team. For Hayes, the opportunity to rebuild in Brooklyn represents a crucial turning point as he looks to re-establish himself in the NBA.
