Report: Pistons’ Killian Hayes will return to play Saturday vs. Knicks
Detroit Pistons rookie Killian Hayes will reportedly return to play on Saturday versus the New York Knicks after missing the past 41 games with a hip injury, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic.
Hayes has not played since Jan. 4 after suffering a right hip subluxation against the Milwaukee Bucks. He was cleared to resume on-court basketball activities on March 16 and recently went through a progression plan toward returning to full-contact practice and game action.
Pistons general manager Troy Weaver on March 9 said Hayes was making good progress in his return from the injury after avoiding surgery. The team was set to provide an update on his status early this month and it now appears as though he will be ready to play on Saturday.
Per sources, the plan is for #Pistons rookie Killian Hayes to return for tomorrow's game against the Knicks. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has been out since January with a hip injury.
— James Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) April 2, 2021
With Hayes set to return, the organization is viewing the final 24 games of the season as a tremendous opportunity for him to continue his development. Weaver called the final stretch of the season a crucial period for Hayes in order to build momentum positive into next year.
Hayes is viewed as a significant building block for the future of the Pistons, along with several other rookies. The team prioritized his development prior to his injury and wanted to give him the opportunity to log heavy minutes to adjust to the NBA game.
In seven games, Hayes is averaging 4.6 points and 3.6 assists.
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