Insights on 4 Exciting Highlights That Signal a Bright Future for the Pistons This Offseason!
The Detroit Pistons wrapped up their preseason with a solid 108-92 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The starters played just a few minutes in the first quarter, allowing the bench players to take over and secure the double-digit victory.
This game offered a first look at the Pistons under their new front office and coaching staff. Detroit finished the preseason on a high, holding a 3-2 record highlighted by strong performances throughout their exhibition games. While preseason results don’t always carry over into the regular season, there are definitely several encouraging aspects to build upon.
Active team defense
The Pistons were among the worst defensive teams last season, allowing an average of 119 points per game. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized the importance of establishing a defensive identity throughout the offseason, and the team offered a promising preview of that transformation during preseason.
In their five preseason games, the Pistons allowed an average of just 97.2 points. They found their defensive rhythm, forcing opponents into an average of 18.2 turnovers, which showcased their young athleticism and led to 20.4 fast break points per game.
Converting defensive stops into easy points is crucial for a team building chemistry. Bickerstaff expressed his desire to establish a winning culture for the Pistons by the end of the season, and the defensive performances displayed in preseason suggest that this identity may soon be taking shape for the team.
Jaden Ivey’s shooting technique
The Detroit Pistons need to enhance their shooting as a team to make progress this season, and shooting guard Jaden Ivey is key to that effort. His offseason focus on improving his jump shot has been evident in his preseason performance.
Ivey posted impressive averages of 83% on two-point jump shots and 53% from beyond the arc. He displayed confidence both in shooting off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Ivey’s development during a pregame media session before the game against the Cavaliers.
“He’s an incredible person who dedicates a lot of time in the gym to refining his game. He’s striving to get better,” Bickerstaff told Kory Woods of MLive. “What we’re seeing now is belief. When he shoots, he believes it’s going in. His confidence sets him apart, and I think he’s building the self-belief that will help elevate his game.”
To assist in the team’s shooting development, the Pistons brought on assistant coach Fred Vinson. Ivey appears to be one of the primary beneficiaries of this guidance. Consistent shooting from Detroit’s third-year combo guard would be crucial for providing the scoring balance the team needs.
Cade Cunningham’s floor spacing
The Pistons have struggled with opponents focusing their defensive efforts on franchise point guard Cade Cunningham. Teams often double or triple-team Cunningham, forcing his teammates to take shots. This crowded spacing has led to some inefficient shooting and turnovers on his part.
To address this issue, Detroit’s President of Basketball Operations, Trajan Langdon, brought in several veterans to improve floor spacing and support Cunningham. The addition of these veteran shooters has enhanced the pick-and-roll play between Cunningham and center Jalen Duren. Throughout the preseason, they successfully executed many alley-oops without facing heavy defensive pressure.
Bickerstaff has devised strategies that position Cunningham in the post to leverage his size. If this effective spacing persists in Detroit, it could lead to even more All-Star-caliber performances from Cunningham.
The return of Tobias Harris
Bickerstaff mentioned that he aimed to use the preseason to identify the most effective lineups and rotations for the upcoming regular season. He confirmed that returning Piston Tobias Harris would be a starter, and it was evident why.
Harris played only three preseason games after missing the first two due to COVID. He delivered his strongest performance in the 109-91 win against the Suns, contributing 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.
Harris signed a two-year contract to return to Detroit after leaving the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. He will take on a new role as a complementary scorer, bringing valuable leadership to this young team. His diverse scoring ability could be a significant asset that the franchise has been seeking. Additionally, Harris displayed solid defensive skills, both on the ball and off, throughout various stretches of play.