The Impact of Cade Cunningham’s Absence
As the Detroit Pistons navigate the season without Cade Cunningham, the team’s performance has been under scrutiny. With Cunningham sidelined, the Pistons have faced significant challenges, particularly in ball handling and offensive execution. The absence of their star player has highlighted the team’s weaknesses, especially in creating plays and maintaining a strong offensive presence.
In the 17 games with Cunningham, the Pistons boasted a defensive rating of 111.6, ranking 12th in the NBA, and an offensive rating of 110.7, placing them 20th. However, without him, their offensive rating plummeted to 107.8, and their defensive rating dropped to 117.9, which would rank 24th in the league. This stark contrast underscores the importance of Cunningham’s presence on the court.
The lack of ball handlers has been a glaring issue. While Ausar Thompson’s return offers some hope, his current stamina and conditioning are not yet at peak levels. Thompson’s potential to fill the ball-handling void is promising, but it remains uncertain if he can consistently thrive in this expanded role. The Pistons’ reliance on Jaden Ivey and Cunningham for playmaking has been evident, and without them, the team’s offensive struggles become more pronounced.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Concerns
The Pistons’ offensive woes are compounded by their defensive challenges. Even with Cunningham, the team struggles when either he or Ivey is off the floor. The lack of a third-point guard or another reliable playmaker is a significant concern. Players like Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. are excellent shooters but are not equipped to create plays off the dribble. This limitation has been evident in games where the Pistons’ offense has faltered without their primary ball handlers.
Defensively, the Pistons have also felt Cunningham’s absence. His size and activity on the boards are crucial, and without him, the team has struggled to maintain their defensive standards. The Pistons’ defensive rating has dropped significantly, highlighting the need for Cunningham’s presence to bolster their defense.
The Pistons’ current roster construction poses challenges, particularly in maintaining a balanced offense and defense. The team needs to address these issues to avoid stalling their season. The hope is that Thompson can eventually step up, but the immediate need for a solution is pressing.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Detroit Pistons’ challenges and strategies, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
- Has the Detroit Pistons’ season stalled?
- Concerns about the team’s upcoming schedule and potential impact on standings
- Analysis of the Pistons’ performance in the in-season tournament and their path forward
