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Omari Sankofa II
| Detroit Free Press
Pistons guard Killian Hayes suffers hip injury vs. Bucks
Detroit Pistons rookie point guard Killian Hayes suffered a right hip injury in the third quarter vs. Bucks, Jan. 4, 2021 in Milwaukee.
NBA
The update on Detroit Pistons rookie Killian Hayes’ hip injury doesn’t sound very good.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday morning that Hayes suffered a labral tear in his right hip during the loss to the Bucks on Monday in Milwaukee.
On Tuesday, the Pistons listed Hayes as doubtful for their next game, Wednesday in Milwaukee, with a right hip strain.
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With 10:36 left in the third quarter, Hayes had the ball stolen and fell while contesting a transition layup attempt by Jrue Holiday. Hayes rolled on the court in pain, and was unable to immediately stand up as he grabbed his right thigh area. He stayed on the floor and was attended to by the Pistons’ medical staff. He eventually walked off the court to the locker room under his own power.
Hayes had seven points and an assist in 13 minutes before his injury. Through seven games, he’s averaging 4.6 points, 3.6 assists, 1.1 rebounds and 2.4 turnovers in 21.1 minutes per game. He has left two contests early because of injury (ankle sprain vs. Golden State, Monday’s game). Hayes is shooting 27.7% overall (13-for-47) and is 5-for-20 on 3-pointers. He’s 1-for-2 from the foul line.
Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey on Killian Hayes’ injury, rotation
Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey talks Jan. 4, 2021, following his team’s road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons drafted Hayes, 19, to be their point guard of the future with the seventh overall pick in the NBA draft in November. He has struggled offensively to start his career as he transitions from playing in Europe, though his defensive effort has been solid.
If Hayes misses time, it would clear minutes for Delon Wright, who has split time between both guard positions early in the season. Wright was the backup point guard when Derrick Rose missed a game earlier this season.
Two-way guard Saben Lee, who the Pistons drafted in the second round in November, could also crack the rotation and make his NBA debut. Pistons coach Dwane Casey said Monday he wants to find playing time for Lee, an athletic 6-foot-2, 183-pounder out of Vanderbilt.
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