Peyton Siva embraced his role in Summer League opener
By Joe Dexter
It was put up or shut up time for Peyton Siva on Saturday, as he started what could be the most important stretch of games in his playing career.
The former Louisville point guard has felt the pressure of being a National Championship contender. He thrived under the rigors of playing for Cardinal head coach Rick Pitino.
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Siva entered Saturday’s play against the Houston Rockets as a wildcard to make the Pistons roster.
In 24 games with the Pistons last year, he turned the ball over 22 times every 100 possessions. His bad decision making led to a 32% field goal percentage, while shooting 28% from beyond the arc.
Coming into Saturday’s opener for the Pistons in the Orlando Summer League, it was unclear what the future held for Siva.
After scoring 16 points and dishing out 6 assists — at least one thing is apparent.
Peyton Siva is starting to embrace his role as a point guard in Stan Van Gundy’s offense.
And it wasn’t the scoring and dish work that was most impressive. Siva’s vision on the floor led to top notch efficiency.
The 2nd year guard finished with the best +/- on the Pistons roster. It was clear that his teammates didn’t play with the same organization when he was off the floor.
Instead of approaching the Houston defense he attacked it.
Whether it was finding an open man, or cutting to the basket — Siva made the right decisions. He allowed his play makers to make plays.
And when the time came to drive to the lane — It was Siva cutting the to cup with authority. He scored his 16 points on 4/8 shooting.
What was more impressive though was his five trips to the free throw line.
The 2nd year guard finished with the best +/- on the Pistons roster. It was clear that his teammates didn’t play with the same organization when he was off the floor.
Instead of approaching the Houston defense he attacked it.
It was that command that lead the Pistons to a victory in their first Summer League game. You can talk all you want about the fantastic display from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but it was Siva that set the tone early and late.
In the first quarter, 9 year veteran Brian Cook set the tone with all 10 of his points scored. In the pick and pop game, it was Siva assisting on three of his four scoring possessions.
Late in the fourth quarter, you want your point guard to take over. Siva did so on Saturday, scoring six straight points to secure the game for the Pistons.
With 1:30 left to Play, Siva got to the line and sunk two free throws to make it 88-86. Then after making a running jumper, Siva got back to the line for two more freebies to make it 91-86.
All the characteristics you look for in a floor general were a part of Peyton Siva’s success against the Rockets.
Going into the game, there were a lot of questions on if Peyton Siva can play consistently at the NBA level.
For one afternoon at least, those questions were answered.
There is still plenty of time before the Pistons have to make a decision on whether Peyton Siva has what it takes to be their number three point guard.
That decision got that much harder after a precision performance showcased Siva’s newly found team game mentality.