Before we get too excited, the Pistons are probably still not going to win a lot of games this year but that doesn't mean they aren't worth watching. They currently stand at 2-8. With a bit more consistency and learning how to close out games, that record could easily be 6-4. That may not seem like a big deal, but over 500 basketball will most likely get an Eastern Conference team a playoff spot.
When a team adds 11 new players to a team (12 with new addition Frank Jackson) during a shortened offseason and training camp (due to Covid-19), the team is going to have some growing pains. Furthermore, this team features 5 rookies and 11/17 are 26 and under. With young teams, sometimes things go sideways; however, if Dwane Casey continues to play the young players and their development continues as it is at the moment, the Pistons could finish the season strong. Furthermore, I believe it is possible that we see a few more break out seasons from a few of the younger players. So, why are they fun to watch?
Reasons to Watch
Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant is currently averaging 25 points and 6 rebounds a game. The stats are nice but more importantly, he has an energy and drive Pistons fans haven't seen in a while. Typically, our players play hard for a bit and then we would get into the 3-point line to the 3-point line game and guys worrying about getting their own shot instead of the best shot. Not with Grant. When he makes a mistake on offense, he makes up for it on defense. We rarely see that in the NBA today. Typically, if a guy screws up on offense, he is rushing to get another shot up. Not Grant. In one game, he had a few momentum-shifting blocks. Jerami Grant plays the style of basketball that Piston fans love.
Defense
Now, to basketball fans at large, this seems like a boring one, but Pistons fans love our defense. The Pistons are still giving up a lot of points, but let's remember that in today's NBA scoring totals are higher. What has been really fun to watch is the rotations on defense. These guys are rotating and helping the helper. In the last few seasons, opposing teams only had to beat one man to get an open shot. This year, the Pistons are helping a lot. A lot of this has to do with the players that GM Troy Weaver picked up in free agency. Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, and Delon Wright rotate and recover incredibly well. They are athletic and lengthy, too. Overall, this team has a huge upside, and it starts on defense.
The Young Players
Sadiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart have been fantastic. Bey's offensive production has been great but more importantly, I think he could develop into a solid rebounder and defensive player. The wings have become the forefront of the NBA. Having a strong wing player is a prerequisite to building a title team. Consider the following: LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, and so forth. I'm not saying it's impossible to contend without a superstar player at that position, however, the Pistons must find a player to at least minimize the damage. Bey could be that type of player. Stewart works so hard and his effort is so consistent that he's become an immediate fit in Detroit. Another player I'm looking forward to seeing more of this year is Sekou Doumbouya. He has the ability to develop into something special. He isn't as polished as Bey, but the upside could be even larger. His height and possible stretch-four ability give him the opportunity to truly excel at the NBA level. Last season, we saw flashes of the type of player he could become.
The Other Good Pickups
I think the Pistons had a great offseason. Delon Wright, Josh Jackson, and Mason Plumlee were all excellent pickups. While Wright and Plumlee aren't flashy pickups, they are excellent role players. Plumlee's contract upsets some fans but he's already under contract. We should focus on the value he brings to the team. He's a good rebounder, great at rotating on defense, sets excellent screens, and his passing ability is better than advertised. Is he going to score a lot every night? No. Is he the type of player that helps teams win games? Yes. Wright is a great pickup because he doesn't make huge mistakes, plays good defense, and moves well without the ball. The only downside to his game is his outside shooting. That should be alright as long as he's paired with some wing shooters. Josh Jackson could have just had a hot start, but I think he could still develop into a strong rotation player. It doesn't hurt to have someone that gets hot like that off the bench. Sometimes, I think he gets a little in his head. Hopefully, Dwane Casey can help him work through that.
The season is still young and a lot could change. Even if the Pistons don't win a lot of games, we have plenty of reasons to tune in. I didn't even mention Derrick Rose whose game is worth watching alone. Make sure to give the Pistons a chance this year. Things are starting to look different.