The Detroit Pistons might not be considered a playoff contender. However, they’re far ahead of where they were at this point in time last season.
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’s 9-15 record in a divine light. That’s just how bad they were.
Do Pistons Need To Make Adjustments To Starting Lineup?
The Pistons’ remodeled front office shrewdly added players whose skillsets and experience complemented 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.
Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey have improved individually, but still have issues getting it going at the same time. Malik Beasley has performed above expectations, but Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. 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.
Tightening Up The Offense
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.
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’s 15.7 points per game is their third-highest scoring average this season.
With that being said, the Pistons clearly don’t 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.
One might look to Detroit’s —and particularly Cunningham’s —turnover issues as the difference 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).
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.
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.
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.
Enter Ausar Thompson
The Pistons should start 2023 No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson, who was recently cleared after suffering from blood clots last season.
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’s court vision and passing prowess are useful traits. Defenses can’t load up on any of their perimeter players if they’re all capable of getting the ball out cleanly and quickly.
There were obviously some misses but I really liked how comfortable and free Ausar Thompson looked out there tonight pic.twitter.com/IP1HlpQSCG
— ℚ (@qshironalberti3) November 26, 2024
If those players are all also threats to score, it makes it even more difficult to key in on any one individual.
They really had Ausar Thompson spotting up like Prime Ray Allen all last season smh. Sometimes I swear coaches only find out who a player is AFTER he’s on their team and that’s… not ideal!
Here are some of The Flying Ausar’s best plays from last night: pic.twitter.com/iJgdKNkLzs
— ℚ (@qshironalberti3) December 4, 2024
There’s also something to be said about the fatigue factor, which could contribute to turnovers and mental mistakes. Thompson helps in this area because of his ability to take on tough defensive assignments and help Cunningham conserve energy. Considering their general lack of effort and toughness at that end, the Pistons probably should be considering starting him anyways.
Going back to the Nets, Warriors, and Rockets, each of those teams takes immense pride in their defense.
Ripple Effects
In promoting Thompson to the first unit, Bickerstaff will have to choose between demoting Beasley or Harris. As Beasley is the only one that’s been consistent from beyond the arc, he could be safe. However, Harris was considered Detroit’s big fish in the offseason, and has a size advantage that increases the Pistons’ defensive versatility.
Bickerstaff will also have to consider whether to consider starting Jalen Duren at center.
Thompson is shooting 33.3 percent from deep to start the season, but he’s still at his best scoring around the rim. The problem is that, with both him and Duren on the court, the paint might clog up. Cunningham and Ivey have been making defenses pay from beyond the arc. Beasley has done and Harris can do the same. All of that considered, the spacing could eventually fortify itself.
Still, starting Isaiah Stewart or Paul Reed instead of Duren is a distinct possibility because they can space the floor and protect the rim.
The post Do Pistons Need To Make Adjustments To Starting Lineup? appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.