Three Things We’ve Learned About The Detroit Pistons
Another week down and the Detroit Pistons losing streak continues. After a win-less week at 0-4 it’s time to digest what we’ve learned.
This week’s edition covers the following games: Hawks, Bucks, Clippers, Bucks
Stan Van Gundy’s approach to Andre Drummond is already paying off
When Drummond averaged under 10-points a game (3.5-points less than last season) and shot 40% from the floor (20% less than last season) through the first 12 games of the season, many began to question whether or not Van Gundy’s approach to Drummond was the right one.
Based on what we’ve seen from Drummond the last three games it’s safe to say that Van Gundy’s persistence on developing Drummond’s offensive game is already paying off in a huge way.
Before Van Gundy, Drummond put up nice numbers (13.5-points and 13.2-rebounds) based on sheer talent, but this season Drummond is already starting to show improved ball control, low post footwork, and a hook shot.
It was an ugly start for Drummond, who was asked to take on more of the load offensively by Van Gundy, but now that it’s beginning to come together, Van Gundy has to be pleased with the results.
D.J. Augustin and Andre Drummond have chemistry
Although Van Gundy has been instrumental in Drummond’s improved play, he can’t take all of the credit.
When Brandon Jennings went out with an injury to his thumb the Pistons looked to Augustin to fill the void. Not only did Augustin fill the void left by Jennings, but one of his teammates, Andre Drummond, has been on a tear as of late and that started with Augustin’s ability to get him the ball.
In Augustin’s first start against the Bucks he hooked up with Drummond on almost a half-dozen alley-oops. Drummond would finish that game with 23-points and 10-rebounds, but the chemistry didn’t end there.
In the next game against the Clippers the Augustin-Drummond connection picked up right where it left off as the duo hooked up for at least three more against the Clippers. Thanks to Augustin, the lob passes to Drummond have picked up, not only from Augustin, but from other teammates and during Augustin’s three starts Drummond has averaged 22-points and 14.3-rebounds per game.
Augustin may not be the only reason for Drummond’s improved play of late, but he certainly seems to be the catalyst.
which leads me to my next point…
Brandon Jennings is expendable
Some may have been petitioning for a Jennings trade since last season thanks to his so-so performances, while others would probably like to see Jennings develop into a core piece for the Pistons after the Brandon Knight, and Khris Middleton trade. If you happened to be of the mindset of the former then this heading probably excites you.
With the sudden emergence of Andre Drummond in Brandon Jennings’ absence, and the opportunity created for Spencer Dinwiddie, the Pistons look like they may be better off in the long run without Jennings. Sure the Pistons haven’t won any games since Jennings’ injury that has kept him out the last three, but they didn’t win many when he did play either.
So why not role with D.J. Augustin and continue to give Dinwiddie, who has looked solid with more minutes, the backup point guard role and see how it plays out?
The Pistons are almost assuredly playing for next season anyway and Jennings may be worth a younger piece to someone with playoff aspirations or potentially a first-round draft pick.