Hayes Eyes Fresh Start With Pistons

AUBURN HILLS -- Jarvis Hayes, the newest Detroit Piston, has more in common with teammate Antonio McDyess than having worn the same jersey number (24).

The former Washington Wizard guard/forward, who will play primarily behind small forward Tayshaun Prince and occasionally spell Richard Hamilton at shooting guard, comes to Detroit looking to prove his worth after a series of injuries slowed his career. That's a similar scenario McDyess faced when he joined the Pistons in 2004.

"It's not an issue," said Hayes, who spoke with the media on Monday for the first time since he signed a one-year contract for $1.2 million with the Pistons last week. "It's in the past. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason."

While Hayes spoke repeatedly about trying to help the Pistons win an NBA title, he also made it clear he has something to prove.

"I want to get my career back on track," Hayes said.

The No. 10 overall draft selection by the Wizards in 2003, Hayes' career got off to a promising start. He averaged 9.6 points per game as a rookie, and was named to the NBA's All-Rookie second team. However, a fractured right patella forced Hayes to miss the final 28 games of the 2004-2005 season. He re-aggravated the injury the following season, appearing in just 21 games before having season-ending surgery.

Despite appearing in a career-high 81 games last season, questions still linger about Hayes' health.

He hopes a season in Detroit, where recently several players have thrived after struggling elsewhere, will change that.

"That definitely was a selling factor for me," said Hayes, referring to the success some players have had getting their careers on track after joining the Pistons.

As far the No. 24 jersey number, the 26-year-old Hayes said it's not an issue.

"He (McDyess) can have it," said Hayes, who will wear No. 9 this season. "New place, new beginning, chance to start over."

source : mlive.com