Detroit Pistons roster analysis: Point guards
With training camp and preseason just around the corner it’s a good time to evaluate where the Detroit Pistons roster is sitting before we see Stan Van Gundy trim his roster down to 15 players.
WHO: Reggie Jackson, Brandon Jennings, Steve Blake, Spencer Dinwiddie
Starter: Reggie Jackson
Grades:
Reggie Jackson could finish as a top 10 point guard this season. Stan Van Gundy runs his offense through the point guard position which will give Jackson a high usage. Under Van Gundy last season Jackson averaged career highs in points (17.6) and assists (9.2).
The Pistons’ offense is perfectly suited for Jackson who will be running high pick and rolls with improved floor spacing and perimeter shooters to kick out it out to. Expecting Jackson to average 10 assists next season isn’t unreasonable given the amount of possessions he’ll have the ball in his hands.
The Pistons– because of fit–receive an A going into the season with Jackson leading the way.
Bench: Brandon Jennings, Steve Blake, Spencer Dinwiddie
If Jennings were healthy, I love his fit as the Pistons sixth man running a second unit that may have trouble scoring. But Jennings isn’t healthy and it looks like he won’t return until December.
That leaves a lot of question marks for the Pistons and their options behind Jackson. Steve Blake is a serviceable option, but age is a concern at 35 which makes you wonder how much he has left in the tank.
Spencer Dinwiddie had good performances in the second half of his rookie season. The problem is those performances were few and far between and there are questions about how much he’s really improved in the offseason.
Dinwiddie didn’t play up to expectations in Summer League, but Summer League is never a good indicator, particularly with point guards who pass first because chemistry is tough to build with teammates in such a short amount of time.
Because of the uncertainty behind Jackson, it’s hard to grade where the Pistons are at backup point guard. I think it could be an issue until Jennings comes back–if he even comes back to the level he was playing prior to his injury.
The Pistons receive a C at backup point guard going into the season.
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