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The time is now for Detroit Pistons’ Reggie Bullock

By Mike Davidson

Oct 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) goes to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Reggie Bullock (25) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Charlotte won 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) goes to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Reggie Bullock (25) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Charlotte won 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Jodie Meeks sidelined for at least three or four months, the Detroit Pistons’ second unit – a group that was already struggling to put points on the board – loses its most proven scorer and three point threat. Although Meeks hadn’t exactly been lighting it up to start the season, losing him is still a tough blow to the Pistons’ depth, especially while Brandon Jennings remains in street clothes.

The “next man up” for the Pistons is third year guard/forward Reggie Bullock. After an impressive preseason, Bullock secured one of the Pistons’ final roster spots and drew the praise of head coach Stan Van Gundy in the process. Despite his preseason play, Bullock did not see the floor in the Pistons’ first regular season game against the Hawks.

Playing time won’t be an issue any longer for Bullock, as he is now the unquestioned back-up shooting guard.

This is without a doubt the best opportunity Bullock has had since he came into the league in 2013. He was stuck at the end of the Clippers’ bench for his first year and a half out of North Carolina, then played just 6.8 minutes per game in 11 games with the Suns at the end of last season.

Oct 10, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Reggie Bullock (25) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Detroit won 117-88. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Reggie Bullock (25) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Detroit won 117-88. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Now, after a trade brought Bullock to Detroit, he finds himself in line to get consistent minutes for the first time in his career as the primary backup to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

The opportunity does not come without some added pressure. There are no excuses anymore. Bullock is no longer a rookie on a roster full of veterans trying to win a championship like he was in LA. He can’t claim that his coach never gave him a fair shot, because his shot is coming, and he has a coach that clearly believes in his abilities. The only factor that will dictate Bullock’s playing time now is his play.

Whether Bullock can play in this league, we will soon find out.

At 6-foot-7 he has the size and length to be an effective “three and D” player for the Pistons. If he can knock down shots and make life difficult for other teams on the defensive end he will be an exceptional replacement for Meeks. As good as Meeks could be offensively, he was a liability on defense. Bullock has the tools to make an impact on both ends of the floor. If he can, the Pistons’ second unit should be just fine.

Motivation should not be a problem. Bullock is finally getting his chance – albeit due to unfortunate circumstances – to prove to supporters and doubters alike that he has what it takes to be a fixture in an NBA rotation.

It’s up to him to seize the moment.

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