Thought Stanley Johnson played well yesterday? You should have seen him today.
In 24 minutes against Orlando White yesterday he had 13 points, three assists, four rebounds, and a steal.
Today? By the time he played 24 minutes he had nearly doubled that output with 22 points, eight rebounds, one assists, and three steals. He remained efficient on the offensive end going 10-14 for the game. He scored in a variety of ways: off the offensive glass, dribble pull-ups, spot up three, floaters, alley-oops, and layups.
For those of you wondering about his jump shot–it looked good. We just just didn’t see much of it, because he did such a good job finding better shots. There were two or three plays where Johnson came off screens and had the three if he wanted it. Instead he often drove to the rim or kept the ball moving.
Given the results I don’t have a problem with his decision-making and I like that he didn’t settle. He’ll probably continue to be able to get the shots he was taking when the season starts, but you’d like to see him go ahead and pull the trigger on those good looks from three every once in awhile to draw the defense out early in the shot clock.
Though he didn’t finish with many assists, Johnson’s passing remains impressive and he still hasn’t turned the ball over. It’s evident he makes the players around him better.
Don't want to make too much of SL +/-, but Stanley Johnson was plus-10 in a loss yesterday, plus-12 in 1Q today. And, once again, he's 19.
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) July 5, 2015
Johnson finished with 24 points and nine rebounds going 10-14 from the field, 3-5 from the free throw line. Last game he got to the line six times and was found three other times. In Summer League defenders are going to be a little more generous with their fouls, but his ability getting to the foul line is encouraging and should translate.
Another player that looked good today was Kammeon Holsey who chipped in 16 points in his Summer League debut.
Two players that we were expecting more of–Spencer Dinwiddie and Adonis Thomas– both struggled today. That’s two sub-par performances from Dinwiddie–who recorded his second straight game with six turnovers– and one bad game from Thomas.
Dinwiddie will make the Pistons final roster this season unless something disastrous happens, but Thomas has only been guaranteed a spot on training camp. He will need to be consistent from here on out if he wants a chance to make the final team.
The Pistons will take on Justise Winslow and the Miami Heat Monday at 5 p.m.
For the Pistons complete Summer League roster and schedule click on the hyperlinks.
Next: Detroit Pistons Summer League Game Review: Orlando White