Hayes’ defense and not terrible playmaking is perhaps the only thing saving him from being called the worst starter in the 2023/24 NBA season, irrespective of him having only played 4 games this season as we’ve had 3 prior seasons of him showing only the briefest flashes of a better player.

At 22 years old, it is not impossible a change in scenery can save his career but at this stage it doesn’t seem like he’s developing in to the player that the Pistons need to pair with Cade Cunnigham in the backcourt, and with him being a pending RFA who is making a not insignificant $5.8 million that could be turned in to a bench piece for the developing young core in Motor City makes it all the more likely he’ll be getting that change of scenery.