Imagine a young talent, once hailed as a high draft pick with the world at his feet, getting let go by yet another NBA team just weeks after joining them. It's a tough blow that highlights the unforgiving nature of professional basketball. But here's where it gets controversial: Is the Cleveland Cavaliers making a huge mistake by waiving Killian Hayes, or could this be the fresh start he needs to shine? Let's dive into the details and see why this story might just spark some heated debates among fans.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have recently decided to part ways with Killian Hayes, a player they brought on board only about a month ago for the preseason. For those new to basketball lingo, the preseason is like a trial run before the real games start, where teams test out players and strategies. Hayes, who was originally selected as the seventh overall pick by the Detroit Pistons back in 2020, joined the Cavs on what’s called an Exhibit 10 contract. To explain simply, this is a short-term deal that allows teams to evaluate players without committing long-term, kind of like a tryout period in the NBA.
After playing in all four of the Cavaliers' preseason games, Hayes found himself released. Don't worry if you're not a stats whiz—let's break it down. He appeared in three of those games (one might have been a bye or something minor), averaging just under 10 minutes per outing. In that limited time, he showed some promise by scoring about four points per game, dishing out 1.3 assists, and grabbing a steal here and there. His shooting from the field was a bit off, hitting only 28% of his shots, which means he was making fewer than one in three attempts—a clear area for improvement.
Now, Hayes' journey in the NBA hasn't been smooth sailing. Ever since the Pistons drafted him, he's struggled to find a permanent spot on a roster. They let him go after four seasons, during which his best year saw him averaging a little over 10 points per game. Last season was a mixed bag: He played just six games at the NBA level with the Brooklyn Nets, putting up around nine points, more than five assists, and three rebounds per game, with solid shooting percentages that suggested he might be turning a corner.
The bulk of that season, though, he spent in the G-League, the NBA's developmental league where players hone their skills and prove their worth. With the Long Island Nets, he excelled in 18 games, racking up over 20 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field—think of it as making almost every other shot he took, which is impressive for any player. He also knocked down 41% of his three-pointers, attempting about six per game, and contributed over five rebounds and seven assists. On the flip side, he averaged more than three turnovers, which are those costly mistakes where the ball slips away. Still, this performance was a beacon of hope for someone with Hayes' athletic profile.
And this is the part most people miss: Hayes is one of the fastest and most athletic players in the entire NBA. As a 6-foot-5 point guard, he brings incredible speed and agility to the court. His defensive skills are a real standout—he's got excellent lateral movement, allowing him to guard multiple positions effectively. This versatility makes him a valuable asset, like a Swiss Army knife on the court, capable of switching and defending against bigger or quicker opponents.
Yet, his biggest hurdle remains his scoring. Throughout his career, he's been inefficient, particularly from beyond the arc, where his three-point shooting sits at a career-low 28%. To make it back to the NBA consistently, he needs to elevate that number significantly. Improving shooting isn't just about practice; it's about developing better form, consistency, and decision-making under pressure—think of it as building muscle memory for those clutch moments.
Hayes isn't the only one affected by the Cavaliers' roster cuts. As they fine-tune their squad for the regular season, they also waived Tristan Enaruna and Norchad Omier. These moves are part of the team's strategy to ensure they have the right mix of talent, and it's expected that all three, including Hayes, will end up with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavaliers' G-League affiliate. This step-down isn't a dead end; the G-League often serves as a bridge for players to regain form and catch the eye of NBA scouts.
While Hayes won't kick off the season in Cleveland, injuries are an unpredictable part of the game. If key players go down, it wouldn't be shocking to see Hayes as a prime candidate for a quick call-up. His upcoming G-League performance will be closely watched by teams across the league, potentially opening doors to new opportunities.
But here's the controversial twist: Some fans might argue that waiving a former lottery pick like Hayes is shortsighted, especially with his defensive prowess and potential. Others could say it's smart business, forcing him to prove his worth in the G-League before earning an NBA spot. What do you think—should teams give more patience to raw talents with Hayes' athleticism, or is tough love the way to go? Is his shooting inefficiency a fixable flaw, or a career-defining weakness? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree with the Cavaliers' decision or if this feels like a missed opportunity!
