Ku Khahil here, the host of the daily Locked On Pistons podcast, with your daily Locked On Pistons newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pistons and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Detroit Pistons: Navigating Challenges Without Cade Cunningham
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) loses control of the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) defends during the first half at FedExForum.
| Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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
Nov 27, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to a call against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel/Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Anthony Edwards went off on Wednesday night, and it wasn’t in the game.
The Timberwolves star had a lot of frustration to share after Minnesota lost to the Kings, and tallied their fourth straight loss in a row.
“We thought defense was our identity, and it’s not looking like that,” Edwards said in the locker room. “Our identity right now, me and Mike [Conley] was talking about it, I think is we soft as hell as a team, internally. Not to the other team, but like internally we soft, like we can’t talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids, just like we playing with a bunch of little kids. Like everybody, like the whole team, we just can’t talk to each other and we gotta figure it out, man, because we can’t go down this road.”
He spoke at length, not holding much back, but the most interesting flag came in Edwards comments about the team as a whole. He noted that everyone on the team had their “own agenda”, which made it particularly difficult for him, as the de facto leader, to get them on the same page. Wolves beat reporter for the Star Tribune, Chris Hine, said Edwards lamented the team was “growing apart”, partly because it felt so difficult to have honest conversations with teammates.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Biz Former Timberwolves GM and current president of Paris Basketball David Kahn predicts the NBA will be in Europe “within two years” (EuroHoops)
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Analysis Three key reasons are behind the Pistons’ improved start through 20 games. Discover the factors contributing to their early success this season. (Detroit Free Press)
Preview The Pistons head to Indiana to take on the Pacers tonight. Read the preview.(NBA)
LaMelo Ball Is Out On Friday - What Are The Fantasy Basketball Implications?
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
As we gear up for a packed NBA schedule, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game with the latest injury updates and strategic streaming options. With ten games on the horizon, there’s plenty to consider for your fantasy basketball lineup.
Injury Updates and Streaming Strategies
The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets face off in an early game, and the injury report has thrown a few curveballs. Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson are out for the Knicks, while the Hornets are missing key players like Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and Miles Bridges. The unexpected absence of LaMelo Ball due to a calf issue adds another layer of complexity. With Ball sidelined, Vasa Micic becomes a prime streaming target, offering value for both Friday and Saturday games. Keep an eye on Jalen Brunson, who seems to be finding his rhythm again, which is a positive sign for fantasy managers.
On the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks front, Darius Garland’s recent dip in usage and shooting is worth monitoring. Meanwhile, Trae Young’s impressive assist numbers continue to shine, despite some Achilles concerns. For streaming, Ty Jerome is a viable option if Dean Wade and Caris LeVert remain out, while DeAndre Hunter offers potential upside for the Hawks.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
Detroit Pistons Suffer Deserved Loss To LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller And The Charlotte Hornets Can the Detroit Pistons overcome their recent struggles? After a tough loss to the Charlotte Hornets, questions loom over the Pistons’ performance and future prospects. With Cade Cunningham’s efficiency under scrutiny and Tobias Harris stepping up with a stellar game, the dynamics within the team are shifting. The episode breaks down the Pistons’ defensive challenges and the potential impact of Cunningham’s injury, highlighting the need for strategic roster adjustments.
Detroit Pistons’ Jaden Ivey Shines in Game-Winning Moment Can the Detroit Pistons’ dynamic duo, Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham, redefine their backcourt synergy? With a thrilling game-winning shot against the Toronto Raptors, Ivey showcased his clutch performance, propelling the Pistons to a crucial victory. This episode unpacks the impressive return of Ausar Thompson from injury and Jalen Duren’s standout defensive plays, offering a fresh perspective on the Pistons’ evolving strategy.
How Detroit Pistons Will Adjust With Ausar Thompson Back Can the Detroit Pistons’ recent roster changes redefine their season? With Ausar Thompson’s triumphant return after a nine-month hiatus due to a blood clot, the Pistons are poised for a shake-up. Malik Beasley emerges as a pivotal force, delivering impressive performances that boost the team’s dynamics. Meanwhile, Simone Fontecchio faces challenges, sparking trade rumors that could alter the Pistons’ strategy.
