The Detroit Pistons wrapped up December with a 5-5 record, including an impressive 3-1 Western road trip. But the question remains: Was this a sign of real progress or just fool’s gold?
Looking at the numbers, there’s reason for both optimism and concern. In November, the Pistons boasted a top-12 defense but struggled offensively. December saw a complete flip, with the offense surging to 12th in the NBA while the defense plummeted to 28th.
This offensive improvement is encouraging. Cade Cunningham won Player of the Week honors, and Jaden Ivey has looked sharp since returning from injury. The team’s spacing and shooting investments are finally paying dividends.
However, the defensive regression is alarming. A bottom-three defense isn’t sustainable for a team aiming for .500 basketball. The challenge now is finding a balance between offensive firepower and defensive competence.
Potential Solutions
One option is to start Ausar Thompson in place of Tim Hardaway Jr. to boost defense without sacrificing too much offense. Another possibility is inserting Isaiah Stewart into the starting lineup over Jalen Duren. These tweaks might help level the team’s performance on both ends of the floor.
Recognizing that the Pistons should be proud of their December showing, especially the road trip success is crucial. However, as the saying goes, “Never accept things in wins that you wouldn’t accept in a loss.” The team must address its defensive issues to build sustainable success.
The coming weeks will be telling as head coach J.B. Bickerstaff attempts to find that elusive balance. It’s possible that with the current roster, leaning heavily into offense might be the best path forward this season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ December performance, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• Should the Pistons pursue a trade for Cam Johnson?
• Malik Beasley’s impressive impact on the team’s performance
