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Detroit Pistons fans are underrating Ish Smith

By Ethan Gravelle

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 31: Ish Smith #14 of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 31, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 31: Ish Smith #14 of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 31, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons have a good bench because of Ish Smith. Why does it seem he is so under rated and under appreciated across the league?

Despite the faces of the 2018/19 Detroit Pistons being Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, players like Ish Smith need to be recognized more for their contributions to the team’s success.

It is no secret that all good teams need an effective second unit and although the Pistons do not have the most star-studded bench, they have one that gets the job done.

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No fan will ever be entirely happy with the players that come off of a team’s bench, but all 30 teams would surely enjoy seeing Smith come off of their bench.

When one tries to rattle off the top backup point guards in the league, the likes of Spencer Dinwiddie and Dennis Schroder come to mind, making this the exact reason that Smith is under appreciated league wide.

The 30 year old point guard is making a team friendly $6 million a year and is able to unlock the potential for those on both units for the Pistons. Smith brings with him a unique pace to the game that is able to alter a team’s defense and get big men moving in ways they do not want to.

Smith came to the Detroit Pistons at the right time (2016), as fans were starting to get used to life with Reggie Jackson as the starting ball handler. Smith was able to come into the team and take some of the load off of Reggie, especially given the expectations that come with Jackson’s contract.

Now in his third season in the Motor City, we are beginning to see Smith’s full potential as a game changer and leader of the second unit, opening up open shots for the shooters and creating mismatches for the bigs inside.

Unfortunately, we live in an era of box score junkies who would argue that Smith’s impact is not to be desired, but until one has sat down and watched the way a game changes when Smith is on the floor, they will struggle to fully understand.

Smith owns modest totals in the regular individual statistical categories, but his effect on the team statistics is what shines the brightest.

According to Basketball-Reference, the Detroit Pistons are up in Offensive Rating and eFG% with Smith on the court, all while committing less turnovers. As for the opponents when Smith is on the court? Down in every single statistical category measured on a team basis (eFG%, Reb%, Ast%, Stl%, Off.Rating and TO%).

Thanks to Jackson’s good health, Smith has not been needed in the starter’s role all season which has helped him stay comfortable in his role for this season.

This is by no means asking Detroit Piston fans to deem Smith the team’s MVP for the year, nor is it demanding he gets more minutes, instead it’s a call for appreciation.

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Ish Smith has brought stability to the backup point guard role and is able to bring energy to a team when it seems no one else can. He wont stuff the stat sheet or win any awards, but let’s appreciate what we have before it’s gone.

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