No matter your expectations for the 2024 Detroit Pistons, they've underperformed. No one could have predicted the record-setting losing streak, let alone the abysmal record. The trade deadline completely shook up the team once again as well. So, what should fans even care about at this point? The team is a hard sell compared to the Red Wings dominant run and the optimism surrounding the Tigers spring training. Still, there are a few things to watch for going into the offseason.
Cade Cunningham's Ascension To Superstardom.
Cade Cunningham is on his way to becoming one of the NBA's elite players. He has been the main draw for the fans this season, but watching him transform from a potential star into a dominant force is vital to the Pistons escaping complete irrelevancy. Since January 27, Cunningham has averaged 21.4 points per game, 7.7 assists per game, and 4.6 rebounds per game. These numbers are undoubtedly strong, but he's upped his game even more in the last four games, increasing his scoring to 28.5 ppg.
Jaden Ivey's Consistency
Jaden Ivey is the perfect backcourt partner for Cade. His next step is to finish this season with consistently smart play. The scoring and playmaking have been there since his first day in the NBA; however, his defense and decision-making sometimes get away from him. Since the New Year, he's been averaging 17.6 ppg and 4.3 apg.
Ausar Thompson's Growth
Ausar Thompson is a do-everything player. He finishes around the rim, handles the ball well, rebounds, plays excellent defense, and passes willingly. His shooting is a weak spot, but he shows signs of developing a strong shot. Will he develop into a better version of the Alex Caruso/Bruce Brown type? Playing next to Cade and Ivey allows him to focus on that complementary role. Some may think of that evaluation as a diss, but in the Motor City, that's a recipe for becoming the backbone of a team like Ben Wallace or Dennis Rodman.
Jalen Duren Remaining Healthy
Much of the Pistons talk revolves around the above three because of Jalen Duren's development and consistency. Duren has already become a dominant rebounder. Fans can only hope he finishes out the season healthy. Duren has averaged 14 and 12 this year. He's added 2.6 apg as well. He's definitely the steal of the 2022 draft, marking Troy Weaver's best move leading the Pistons front office.
How Does Simone Fontecchio Fit?
Simone Fontecchio's addition to the Pistons appears to be another solid addition to the team. He looks like the stretch four the team has been searching for since Weaver took over. The Pistons tried Kelly Olynyk, Trey Lyles, Kevin Knox, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, and even Bojan Bogdanovic at that position. Some were out of position, and others did not have that skillset (STEWART), but Fontecchio fits the role perfectly. His combination of size, speed, and shooting gives the Pistons the player they've been searching for. Since joining the Pistons, he's averaged 15.1 ppg, shooting 42.2% from beyond the arc.
What Role Does Isaiah Stewart Play?
I'm of the mind that Isaiah Stewart is not a stretch four. I think he fits better as a defensive and rebounding specialist. Get out there, hustle, make things happen. He's more like the role described above. For whatever reason, the Pistons have him shooting threes. He's good enough to shoot some but not enough to stand out on the line. Defenses don't have to respect him the same way they do a legitimate shooter. This year, he's shooting a career-high 37.2 from the three-point line. If he gets back to his roots of grinding and hustling, he could be a pivotal piece to this restoration project.
The Rest of These Guys
Marcus Sasser has solidified the backup point guard role for the Pistons. He provides 7.7 ppg and 3 apg, but his value lies in his explosiveness on both ends of the floor. He could develop into the Pistons 6th man. His rookie season has shown more promise than Killian Hayes ever did.
Many fans seem excited about Quentin Grimes. I suspect this excitement comes from his potential as an outside shooter. I've been impressed with his defense, but I'm not sold on his future. I expect him to receive consistent playing time down the stretch so the team can determine his potential fit with the franchise.
James Wiseman is a bonafied bust. He occasionally blocks a shot or finishes a drop-off from Cade or Ivey. However, more often than not, he's out of place on defense and struggles to catch and finish around the rim. He's looking for a strong finish for someone (possibly Detroit) to give him another chance.
Evan Fournier, Troy Brown JR, Shake Milton, and Malachi Flynn each seek to prove themselves for either this team or another. Fournier could provide a veteran presence and outside shooting (44.3% career three-point shooting) for the Pistons going forward. I'm not sure if any of the others will return either. I would have mentioned Mike Muscala, who I think fits well with the Monty Williams version of this team, but reports suggest he will soon receive a buyout, explaining why he hasn't played ahead of Wiseman.
Offseason
Regardless, there are questions to be answered watching this team. Looking towards the offseason, the needs are clear. The Pistons should take the best available regardless of position in the draft. Figure it out from there. They need more defense, rebounding, and veteran players that move without the ball. Cade, Ivey, and Ausar are all excellent and willing passers. The team needs players that move to the right spot. Regardless of cap space, I don't expect them to add any stars this offseason.
The Pistons first need to create a culture that attracts players. Maybe Dan Campbell and Sheila Ford Hamp could come in to advise Tom Gores and company. I doubt his ego would allow him to admit that the franchise's woes are in large part due to his interference and focus on style over substance. He claims to be all about Detroit, but I suspect that is primarily marketing. His ego wants to grab credit for the revitalization of Detroit when he made a significant amount of money from tearing down the Palace and moving the team to an arena owned by the Ilitches. The people of Detroit are responsible for the revitalization. Not some guy from LA that came back when the time was right.
Looking at the other Detroit franchises, they each have a clear philosophy and desired identity. What is the Pistons identity? What is their philosophy? For example, Scott Harris and the Tigers acquire batters with low strikeout rates and high walk rates. The Lions talk about high-character guys who love football. That's a bit more subjective, but no one can deny the results of their approach. The Red Wings have the Yzerplan. That seems to be working out. So, the Pistons must establish who they are before they can expect to win. Perhaps we'll see some signs of that in the last 24 games.
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