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Detroit Pistons: A Season of Surprises and Challenges
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
| Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
As we hit the first quarter mark of the Detroit Pistons’ season, there’s a lot to unpack. The team has shown both promise and areas needing improvement, making this an intriguing time for fans and analysts alike.
Defensive Surprises
One of the most unexpected developments has been the Pistons’ defensive performance. Despite a roster built with offensive talent, the team has managed to rank 12th in defensive rating. This is a testament to the coaching prowess of J.B. Bickerstaff, who has managed to extract defensive commitment from players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Their buy-in has been crucial, with Cunningham stepping up as a weak-side rim protector and Ivey showing increased defensive intensity. The veterans, too, have played their part, with Tobias Harris working hard on defense, even when his offensive contributions have been inconsistent.
Offensive Struggles
On the flip side, the Pistons’ offense has not lived up to expectations. Despite investing heavily in offensive talent, the team ranks around 24th in offensive rating. This is concerning, especially as the defense, which has been overperforming, may not sustain its current level throughout the season. The Pistons need their offense to step up if they are to maintain their competitive edge. The lack of consistent floor spacing from veterans like Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a significant factor. While Malik Beasley has been a bright spot with his elite shooting, the team needs more from its other veterans to improve their offensive output.
The pairing of Cunningham and Ivey has been a highlight, with both players showing they can thrive together. Their ability to play off each other has been a positive development, answering one of the biggest questions from the offseason. Cunningham’s improved three-point shooting and Ivey’s off-ball movement have been key to their success. However, the team still lacks a third ball handler to alleviate some of the playmaking pressure on these two young stars.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Detroit Pistons’ season, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
- The impact of Malik Beasley’s shooting on the Pistons’ offense
- J.B. Bickerstaff’s defensive strategies and their effectiveness
- The role of veterans in the Pistons’ lineup and their contributions
- Upcoming challenges and opportunities for the Pistons in the season ahead
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
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
Analysis The Detroit Pistons’ Q1 progress report compares their performance over the last two years, offering insights into team dynamics and areas for improvement. (Detroit Bad Boys)
Preview The Pistons host the Bucks tonight in the latest NBA Cup group stage matchup. Read the preview.(NBA)
Preview Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
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.
How the Detroit Pistons’ Offense Falters Without Cade Cunningham Can the Detroit Pistons thrive without Cade Cunningham? As the NBA In-Season Tournament heats up, the Pistons face challenges that could define their season. With Cunningham sidelined, the team’s performance has been under scrutiny, raising questions about their offensive and defensive capabilities. Host Ku Khahil examines the Pistons’ recent games, highlighting the roles of Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, and discusses the team’s evolving strategy in the face of adversity. The episode also explores the Pistons’ standing in the tournament, emphasizing the importance of upcoming matchups against the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Detroit Pistons Season Right On Track After A Quarter Of The Season Finished Can the Detroit Pistons maintain their momentum in the NBA’s in-season tournament? With a 9-13 record, the Pistons are showing signs of improvement, boasting a top 13 defense. Key players like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Malik Beasley are making waves, with Beasley hailed as the best acquisition in years. The episode breaks down the Pistons’ recent games against the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, highlighting standout performances and strategic decisions.
