Pistons get their first comfortable win of the season in their first game without Josh Smith

Indiana Pacers 109, Detroit Pistons 119

Andre Drummond — C-

Drummond scored fairly prolifically and efficiently but the Pistons were typically better when he wasn’t on the court. His defense was mediocre, his ball-handling sloppy, his rebounding underwhelming, and he got himself tagged with too many fouls.

Kyle Singler — C

The Pistons played well when Singler was on the floor. But I didn’t see any causal relationship there. He had a very unremarkable game.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — B

It’s fair to wonder whether KCP will ever be more than a 3-and-D player. But he fills that role nicely and was a convenient release valve much of the night when the ball went inside. And he had a beautiful steal from Stuckey netting a fast break dunk late in the second.

Brandon Jennings — B+

Jennings shot 50%, had good assist. steal, and turnover numbers, and defended adequately. It was a very solid game for him. And when things are going well for him, he’s one fo the more fun Pistons to watch given that he actually plays with flair.

Greg Monroe — A

Anchoring a team with real spacing, Monroe had a fantastic two-way performance. This is the Monroe that several teams in the league hope to acquire. Whenever Drummond or Anthony wasn’t putting Hibbert on the line, Monroe made him look like chopped liver.

Jodie Meeks — B

Ok, Meeks is back to shooting well. That’s good news. We’ve yet to see if he can bring anything else to the table, though.

D.J. Augustin — B+

Augustin was mostly playing in a time share with Jennings. In spite of Jennings having a rare efficient offensive game, Augustin’s was better. But D.J. got consistently burned on defense.

Caron Butler — D

If at least two of Singler, Meeks, and Caldwell-Pope are playing well, there’s really no reason for Butler to be on the floor at all.

Jonas Jerebko — B-

It feels inevitable that Jerebko’s contract will run out, nobody will be particularly interested, and he’ll sign with the very international Spurs on a steal of a contract. Then, of course, he’ll play like  guy on an eight figure salary. But enjoy him in the meantime. He’s not a star, but he’s sneaky good.

Josh Smith — A+

I may think the way he was removed from the team was sub-optimal. But it’s good to see, for at least one game, the Pistons play competently with a more sensible rotation.

Stan Van Gundy — B

The biggest beneficiaries of the minutes Smith isn’t playing in this game were Jerebko and Augustin. I think he should be force-feeding more of those minutes to Dinwiddie and maybe Datome. But I’m pleased Jerebko is getting some. Here’s hoping that’s not just because Tolliver wasn’t yet available to play.