Killian Hayes, you are clearly improving this season statistically (ten points per game, against 6.9 last season) and in the game. What has changed?
Killian Hayes. : My role changed, I started coming off the bench and – unfortunately – with Cade Cunningham’s injury, I started to start. It was my chance to get back into the starting five, and then my shots started coming in. I took the same shots, I remained confident after my complicated start to the season, where they didn’t fit.
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This is your third season in the NBA. That of maturity?
K.H. : When I was a rookie (first season), and even last year, when I had a bad game, I was really pissed off. I was like, ‘Why isn’t it working?’ Since the end of last season, I know that there are matches where it’s just like that, it doesn’t fit, but we have to limit them, and not break my head too much. I say to myself at the next match: ‘I send, it will come in’.
What does this NBA game in Paris mean to you?
K.H. : It’s really lucky to be able to come home, to play in front of my family and friends, who haven’t been able to see me play for quite a while. There are thirty teams (from the NBA) that could have been chosen, and then they chose ours and the Chicago Bulls, so we have to take advantage of this opportunity. It will be very heavy! If I can play a great game and get the win, that would be ideal. My goal is to win. It’s still a regular season game, and you have to forget all the distractions, just focus on this game.
From August 25 to September 10, the 2023 World Cup will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. Given your current form, you are clearly applying for a place in the major five as a starter…
K.H. : Yes, that’s what I said. I want to be part of the France team. I have to earn my place, I haven’t been part of the group yet, there are still a lot of things I have to learn. I’m ready, it’s something I want to do this summer. In addition, there is the Olympics next year, it would be a good step to start the World Cup.
Wembanyama? It’s not just hype. I really think he’s going to be a very good player in the NBA.
Are the Olympic Games in Paris therefore part of your objectives?
K.H. “To be able to represent France in such an event, especially to be able to bring home a medal, is a dream for me. Winning a medal at the Olympic Games is not something you can do a lot of times. We are going to start by the World Cup, that’s what I’m focused on, but I’m very excited for next year too, the Olympics in Paris.”
Another promising young Frenchman will play in the NBA next season: Victor Wembanyama (19, 2.21m), perhaps at the Pistons?
K.H. : “That he comes to the Pistons, it’s not really my decision. The number of matches, going from one match per week (in the French championship) to three-four (in the NBA), it’s a challenge especially with his size. I think he’s an exceptional player. A ‘seven-footer’ (player 2.13m or more) who can shoot, play as a fullback, he has long segments, he can counter It’s not all hype (hype), I really think he’s going to be a really good player in the NBA.”
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