The Detroit Pistons might not be considered a playoff contender. However, they\u2019re far ahead of where they were at this point in time last season.<\/p>\n
In 2023-24, the Pistons were 2-22 after 24 games. Unbeknownst to them, they were in the midst of a 28-game losing streak; the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history. Compare that to this season and it paints Detroit\u2019s 9-15 record in a divine light. That\u2019s just how bad they were.<\/p>\n
The Pistons\u2019 remodeled front office shrewdly added players whose skillsets and experience complemented<\/a> their young core this offseason. They also made a head coaching change that they hoped would help lead more cohesive and coordinated performances. Up to this point, those additions have been a mixed bag.<\/p>\n Cade Cunningham<\/a> and Jaden Ivey<\/a> have improved individually, but still have issues getting it going at the same time. Malik Beasley<\/a> has performed above expectations, but Tobias Harris<\/a> and Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/a> have played below them. JB Bickerstaff has gotten career numbers out of multiple guys, but fails to maximize players like 2024 No. 5 pick Ron Holland<\/a>.<\/p>\n The primary issue Detroit appears to have is in their ability to put points on the board. To that point, they rank just 21st in points per game (110.1) in 2024-25. There are myriad factors that contribute to this low number but it largely comes down to personnel.<\/p>\n For the last two seasons, Cunningham has averaged 22.9 points and 7.9 assists per game on .450-.361-.847 shooting splits. This season, Ivey is averaging career-highs of 17.7 points and 4.3 assists per game on .449-.381-.735 shooting splits. Beasley\u2019s 15.7 points per game is their third-highest scoring average this season.<\/p>\n With that being said, the Pistons clearly don\u2019t have as much top-end talent as other teams. Yet, the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors are currently in the postseason picture with only one player averaging above 20 points per game. The Houston Rockets are second in the West without a single player averaging at least 20 points per game.<\/p>\n One might look to Detroit\u2019s \u2014and particularly Cunningham\u2019s \u2014turnover issues as the difference<\/a> between these squads and they would be right. The Nets, Warriors, and Rockets value their possessions, none of them ranking higher than 15th in turnovers per game. For comparison, the Pistons rank 26th in turnovers per game (16.6).<\/p>\n Attention to detail is often considered a reflection of coaching, but also experience. Those three squads have more seasoned playmakers than Detroit. Their decisions are sharper.<\/p>\n This puts the onus on Cunningham to accelerate his learning curve, cutting down on both his careless and forced turnovers. To that point, Cunningham is averaging 4.8 turnovers per game and 2.7 of those have been bad passes. As the face of the franchise, the leader, and the most talented player on the roster he simply has to improve.<\/p>\n However, Bickerstaff could make a major change that helps improve the ball-movement and alleviates the pressure being placed on their former No. 1 pick.<\/p>\n The Pistons should start 2023 No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson<\/a>, who was recently cleared after<\/a> suffering from blood clots last season.<\/p>\n Of note, Thompson is averaging 6.6 assists per 36 minutes this season, the second-highest mark on the team. Whether operating as the secondary or tertiary ball-handler, Thompson\u2019s court vision and passing prowess are useful traits. Defenses can\u2019t load up on any of their perimeter players if they\u2019re all capable of getting the ball out cleanly and quickly.<\/p>\n There were obviously some misses but I really liked how comfortable and free Ausar Thompson looked out there tonight pic.twitter.com\/IP1HlpQSCG<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 \u211a (@qshironalberti3) November 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nTightening Up The Offense<\/h3>\n
Enter Ausar Thompson<\/h3>\n
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