Killian Hayes continues to adjust to his new role with the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing flashes of potential amid the challenges faced by the team. The recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder illustrated both his capabilities and areas needing improvement. Hayes scored 19 points and registered 7 assists during the contest, demonstrating efficiency with 53.8% shooting from the field, including 50% from beyond the arc. Despite his effort, the Nets suffered a frustrating 129-121 loss.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez emphasized his belief in Hayes' talent but also highlighted areas for growth. Following the Nets' defeat to the Washington Wizards, Fernandez called for Hayes to adopt a more aggressive playing style. "I think he did a good job sharing the basketball. The way he's assisting is good. But I need him to be aggressive as well," Fernandez said. "He has to push the ball and get more attempts, get to the rim. Stay away from tough, contested mid-range shots. And I want him to shoot more threes. Three attempts is not enough. I need to see him letting it fly." These remarks reflect the coaching staff's focus on enhancing offensive productivity, especially with D'Angelo Russell sidelined.
During the two games since stepping up to the starting point guard position, Hayes has averaged 5.7 assists but has struggled significantly with his scoring, averaging only 5.0 points on 31.3% shooting. His near absence from attempts, with only 5.3 field goal attempts per game, suggests hesitance and indicates he may still be adjusting to the dynamic of being the primary ball-handler.
Hayes' performance pattern has drawn attention, especially as the Nets' offensive strategies come under scrutiny. With the team ranking second-to-last for scoring and 28th for three-point attempts over the last ten games, Hayes' hesitance poses pressing challenges. Instead of being aggressive, he faces the risk of falling back on the same shooting struggles he experienced with the Detroit Pistons, where he struggled to make his shots consistently from deep.
The expectations for Hayes may seem high, yet they echo broader themes within the modern NBA, which increasingly gravitates toward three-point shooting prowess. Former Pistons GM Troy Weaver was candid about the challenge Hayes has faced developing his shooting. “He has size, is a versatile defender, and can playmake with the ball. It didn’t work because of his shooting. He never got his shooting down,” Weaver said. “If you’re a guard in the NBA, you have to make shots.” This commentary sheds light on Hayes' revival challenge, indicating he possesses the defensive acumen and playmaking skills but needs to deliver more consistently on offense.
Despite his sluggish start with the Nets, Hayes recorded pleasing numbers earlier this season with the Long Island Nets, demonstrating his capabilities as shooter, hitting 35.1% from beyond the arc on 4.6 attempts. His shootable ceiling remains potent if he can maintain similar figures during his time with the Nets.
Followers of the Brooklyn Nets will undoubtedly keep watch on Hayes as he continues to find his footing and work on tightening up his game. The forthcoming games may serve as pivotal opportunities for him to prove himself as more than just a facilitator but also as a viable scoring option. If he can balance both facets of his game effectively, he could carve out lasting footing with the franchise.
Moving forward, it will be intriguing to see if Hayes can align his performance to meet the aggressive expectations laid out by his coaching staff, transit from the shadows of inconsistency, and emerge as the impactful point guard the Nets hope he can be. Only time will tell if he can convert the lessons learned from this early phase of his Nets career.