I'm not saying you should become a die-hard Motor City Cruise fan but there are some compelling reasons to watch. Keep an eye out for when the Pistons assign some of their players to the Cruise to get a look at some Pistons that aren't currently receiving any playing. You can watch the Motor City Cruise on the NBA G League website.
Saben Lee, Luka Garza, and Jamorko Pickett have already played for the Motor City Cruise. In their first game, they all put up huge numbers. Now they did that for a few reasons. The first of which is that the competition isn't as stiff in the G League, but the second is because they play no defense at that level. If you think the NBA has no defense, then check out a G League game to see what no defense looks like. Regardless of these drawbacks, you can still see some interesting things from these young players.
Saben Lee is NBA ready. He dominated in his debut for the Cruise. I think this is important in spite of the lack of defense. He's shown that he can shoot and score. The Pistons could use this as a test to see if he is ready to take the role of the backup point guard from Cory Joseph. While Coach Casey doesn't seem to be interested in featuring Saben Lee as a rotation player anytime soon, fans should watch so that we can decide for ourselves if it is time.
While I love Luka Garza's game and demeanor, he most likely won't be able to crack the rotation this season. After watching him play with the Cruise, it is clear why. Garza is talented enough to play in the NBA offensively. He's shown that in the Summer League and in his first Cruise appearance. He is still adjusting to the speed of the NBA and it shows on the defensive end. He is going to have to figure out how to defend at this level to get a rotation spot. Furthermore, he'll have to displace Olynk or Lyles in the rotation. That is a tall order because both of those players are also here for their offensive abilities. Garza's number one path to the rotation is rebounding. The Pistons in general, but particularly the second unit, need more rebounding. Garza rebounds well but should focus on dominating the boards at the G League level. Checking on Garza's progression as a defender is worth watching a few Cruise games.
Two-way player Jamorko Pickett can shoot the basketball. That is great. The Pistons need more shooting, but he'll have to continue developing as a defender and rebounder as well. Right now, Josh Jackson, Hamidou Diallo, and Frank Jackson would be who he would be competing against for minutes. He can shoot, but does he defend better than any of them? Josh Jackson has been a defensive playmaker. That keeps him in the rotation. Defense is what to watch for Pickett. His shooting is good enough but he'll only get a look for minutes if he improves defensively.
Odds and Ends
Later on, fans can expect to watch rookie Isaiah Livers and our other two-way player Chris Smith to rehab as they spend some time with the Cruise.
Some believe that Livers may be able to crack our rotation because of his outside shooting. It is very well possible, but again, will his shooting outweigh the possible defensive liabilities? That is what they will be evaluating him for during his time with the Cruise. Much like with Garza, the G League will provide a path to adjusting to the NBA speed. Livers' foot injury dropped him in the draft. With Coach Casey, it is possible that he is in the Pistons rotation by the end of the season.
I don't really know much about Chris Smith. I know that he was projected as a first-round pick at one point in time before his injury. This is another player that the Pistons are taking a chance on at a low cost. Who knows what could happen when he returns. I know I'll be watching to see what he can do.
Finally, I am interested to see Deividas Sirvydas play with the Cruise. The Pistons may have cut him, but their G League team signed him. He can really shoot. If he can show some defense, rebounding, or some other type of playmaking on offense, I'd expect some other team to have him at the top of their list if there is an injury and they are interested in taking a flyer on someone with less experience. He is still very young and may end up back in the NBA shortly. He doesn't fit the Troy Weaver mold, but perhaps he'll prove himself an NBA talent anyways.
It will be fun to see these guys play a little bit and learn about them. Remember, last year the Pistons played four rookies extended minutes by the end of the season, and both two-way players (one of which was a rookie) signed new deals this off-season. Could one of these guys make a big leap this year and wind up in the rotation? The only way to make an educated guess is to check out a few Cruise games.
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