Stan Van Gundy’s Pistons make first impression in preseason win over Bulls

Detroit Pistons 111, Chicago Bulls 109 (overtime)

Greg Monroe – B+

At one point, Monroe allowed Taj Gibson to score (a frequent problem as Gibson shot 8-for-10). Monroe looked toward the sideline as Stan Van Gundy barked feedback. After a few words, Van Gundy cut himself off and hastily motioned Monroe to get up court and back on defense.

It was an up and down night for the Pistons trying to meet the expectations of their new coach in their preseason opener.

Despite his usual defensive issues, Monroe came off the bench to lead the Pistons in points (24) and rebounds (9). He got his shot blocked a couple times, but he was active around the basket to compensate for his lack of lift.

Brandon Jennings – B+

Jennings posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists (and no turnovers).

He did a GREAT job looking for Drummond inside early, setting up for a couple baskets. All in all, Jennings attacked pretty well.

But has awful balance on his jumpers, and that hurt him, as he shot 3-for-12. It worked fine on his shot from beyond halfcourt to end the first half, though:

Andre Drummond – C+

Drummond led the starters with 13 shots, and I like him getting an expanded role offensively. He’s the Pistons’ top weapon, something they far too often forgot last season.

But he made just six shots, his post game improved but still rough around the edges. That’s what the preseason is for.

Drummond sometimes used his size to make a defensive difference, so that was nice.

Jodie Meeks – B-

Meeks came out firing, making 3-of-8 3-pointers. Van Gundy wanted to upgrade outside shooting on the wings, and Meeks is doing his part.

However…

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – B

Caldwell-Pope made 4-of-8 3-pointers.

Caldwell-Pope is a better defender and has a higher upside. As long as he can go shot-for-shot with Meeks, the starting job should be his.

Jonas Jerebko – B+

Jerebko was pretty active, which drew praise from Van Gundy during training camp. But his offensive game stood out more, because the Bulls gave him chances to score. Jerebko finished with 14 points on five shots.

He’s pretty skilled for an energy player, but his best chance of NBA success continues to be doing the dirty work. When other opportunities exist, though, it’s nice Jerebko can take advantage.

D.J. Augustin – C-

The offense stagnated when Augustin ran it, at least relative to Jennings. Too much passing around the perimeter without gain.

Aaron Brooks lit up Austin in the fourth quarter, but I chalk that up to Brooks wanting to prove he deserves a roster spot more than anything. Brooks has a guaranteed minimum contract, but if one of the Bulls’ training-camp invitees – including Kim English – outplays him, Chicago could eat Brooks’ salary. Augustin isn’t a good defender anyway, but effort levels can really vary during the preseason.

Kyle Singler – F

Singler stunk. He shot 1-for-6 from the field and 2-for-6 from the free-throw line. He was just really off. Hopefully, it’s not a sign of things to come, because nobody pushed him in the small forward competition tonight.

Caron Butler – D-

Butler didn’t do much, missing both his shots (3-pointers) in 28 minutes. He’ll have better nights, but this isn’t far from my baseline expectation for the 34-year-old.

Josh Smith – D+

Smith was here and there, collecting nine points, five rebounds, two assists and three turnovers. He’s an established veteran with a long track record. This game didn’t color my thinking of him one way or the other.

Stan Van Gundy

I don’t know how to grade a new coach for his first preseason game. There were signs of defensive soundness that didn’t appear last year. Enough for Game 1? I don’t know, but it was nice to see these positive signs.