Matt
10-29-2007, 09:45 AM
Monday, October 29, 2007
Pistons EXTRA
Newcomer Hayes feeling right at home (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071029/SPORTS0102/710290399/1127)
Reserve forward brimming with confidence in health and place with Pistons.
Joanne C. Gerstner / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS -- New Pistons reserve forward Jarvis Hayes freely admits this was all only a hunch.
He had a feeling he'd fit in well with the Pistons, so much so he signed as a free agent in the offseason, seeing the possibilities in the way the team played.
His hopes grew stronger, starting with the first day of training camp.
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Hayes' teammates believed in him. Coach Flip Saunders quickly gave him the green light to shoot at will. And most importantly, Hayes feels strong -- mentally and physically -- for the regular season, which tips off for the Pistons on Thursday at Miami.
"I'm so ready, this is the best I've felt in a long time," Hayes, 26, said. "Really, it's the best I've felt about everything: my body, my role, the team around me, our chances to go for it all.
"I've been through enough to understand, and appreciate, when good things are around you."
Fitting in
Hayes played for the Wizards from 2003-07, an experience marked by high expectations and disappointing injuries.
He was drafted 10th overall by the Wizards, and he wanted to make an impact.
Hayes had a strong rookie year, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He showed an explosiveness in scoring, with a good shooting touch and the ability to beat defenders.
Then the injuries hit. Hayes fractured his right kneecap near the end of his second season. The injury lingered for nearly two years, until he had surgery in 2005 to correct the fracture.
It took more time than expected to heal, with Hayes dealing with lingering physical and emotional issues into last season. He never really got back into a comfortable place in the Wizards' lineup.
He says he finally feels whole, and that's what's driving his confidence.
"That's all the difference, you can see it in my game. I'm not hesitating," Hayes said.
"I'm not thinking about this or that, I'm just going with the flow of what's out there and taking what's coming to me. That's a huge change."
Solution found?
Hayes' confidence and play show signs of being a boon for the Pistons' bench.
He's been a strong presence. In fact, he led the team in scoring (13.6 points) and minutes (27.4) during the exhibition season and averaged four rebounds. By all indications, Hayes' playing time and role will be similar during the regular season.
"I think we, especially Joe (Dumars) and John (Hammond), saw that Jarvis would fit in quite well," Saunders said. "He's got a good shooting touch. I'm fine with him taking all the shots he wants -- as long as they're quality shots."
Saunders smiled and added semi-jokingly, "And if he makes all of those shots."
The Pistons have struggled over the last few years, looking for an additional bench scoring threat besides Antonio McDyess. The situation also has led to starters, especially forward Tayshaun Prince, playing more minutes than desired.
Hayes could be part of the solution for both issues. A lineup change has moved McDyess into starting. Hayes' scoring presence, and energy, will be a lift off the bench.
And an effective Hayes means the Pistons can allow Prince to rest a little more than in the past.
"That's what I saw when I came here: I saw how I could fit in and really do something here," Hayes said.
"I like what we're doing here and how I'm being used. I feel good about myself. This team has players who want to work hard and win. That's why I came. I saw the possibilities, and so far, they're working out."
You can reach Joanne C. Gerstner at (313) 223-4644 or joanne.gerstner@detnews.com.
Pistons EXTRA
Newcomer Hayes feeling right at home (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071029/SPORTS0102/710290399/1127)
Reserve forward brimming with confidence in health and place with Pistons.
Joanne C. Gerstner / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS -- New Pistons reserve forward Jarvis Hayes freely admits this was all only a hunch.
He had a feeling he'd fit in well with the Pistons, so much so he signed as a free agent in the offseason, seeing the possibilities in the way the team played.
His hopes grew stronger, starting with the first day of training camp.
Advertisement
Hayes' teammates believed in him. Coach Flip Saunders quickly gave him the green light to shoot at will. And most importantly, Hayes feels strong -- mentally and physically -- for the regular season, which tips off for the Pistons on Thursday at Miami.
"I'm so ready, this is the best I've felt in a long time," Hayes, 26, said. "Really, it's the best I've felt about everything: my body, my role, the team around me, our chances to go for it all.
"I've been through enough to understand, and appreciate, when good things are around you."
Fitting in
Hayes played for the Wizards from 2003-07, an experience marked by high expectations and disappointing injuries.
He was drafted 10th overall by the Wizards, and he wanted to make an impact.
Hayes had a strong rookie year, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He showed an explosiveness in scoring, with a good shooting touch and the ability to beat defenders.
Then the injuries hit. Hayes fractured his right kneecap near the end of his second season. The injury lingered for nearly two years, until he had surgery in 2005 to correct the fracture.
It took more time than expected to heal, with Hayes dealing with lingering physical and emotional issues into last season. He never really got back into a comfortable place in the Wizards' lineup.
He says he finally feels whole, and that's what's driving his confidence.
"That's all the difference, you can see it in my game. I'm not hesitating," Hayes said.
"I'm not thinking about this or that, I'm just going with the flow of what's out there and taking what's coming to me. That's a huge change."
Solution found?
Hayes' confidence and play show signs of being a boon for the Pistons' bench.
He's been a strong presence. In fact, he led the team in scoring (13.6 points) and minutes (27.4) during the exhibition season and averaged four rebounds. By all indications, Hayes' playing time and role will be similar during the regular season.
"I think we, especially Joe (Dumars) and John (Hammond), saw that Jarvis would fit in quite well," Saunders said. "He's got a good shooting touch. I'm fine with him taking all the shots he wants -- as long as they're quality shots."
Saunders smiled and added semi-jokingly, "And if he makes all of those shots."
The Pistons have struggled over the last few years, looking for an additional bench scoring threat besides Antonio McDyess. The situation also has led to starters, especially forward Tayshaun Prince, playing more minutes than desired.
Hayes could be part of the solution for both issues. A lineup change has moved McDyess into starting. Hayes' scoring presence, and energy, will be a lift off the bench.
And an effective Hayes means the Pistons can allow Prince to rest a little more than in the past.
"That's what I saw when I came here: I saw how I could fit in and really do something here," Hayes said.
"I like what we're doing here and how I'm being used. I feel good about myself. This team has players who want to work hard and win. That's why I came. I saw the possibilities, and so far, they're working out."
You can reach Joanne C. Gerstner at (313) 223-4644 or joanne.gerstner@detnews.com.