Detroit Pistons Summer League expectations

Lorenzo Brown

Watch out for: Pushing the tempo, an advanced skill
Stats predictor: 5 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists

Next up we have Lorenzo Brown. Brown, who was signed to two ten-day contracts before being signed for the remainder of the season is standing on a partially guaranteed contract with the Pistons. Meaning if they don’t want him to return next season, they’re not obliged to keep him.

Summer League will give the Piston an idea of what Brown could provide for them. Brought in at seasons end as insurance for the reserve point guard position, Brown has had a decent amount of time to make his mark with the team and try to earn himself a roster spot for next season. But without much NBA experience under his belt, Summer League may be the next best thing.

The bad news for Brown is that Stan Van Gundy has already announced rookie Michael Gbinije is starting at point guard, likely meaning Brown will be coming off the bench. Unless of course Van Gundy experimented even more by slotting him in at shooting guard, considering Hilliard’s injury has freed that spot up. That’s a very unlikely lineup, but it is Summer League, you want all of your guys to get plenty of run. Another factor is that Brown could be competing with former Phoenix Suns guard Phil Pressey, who is on the Summer League roster.

Pressey recently attended a Detroit Pistons mini camp before being invited to join the Summer League squad. Splitting backup minutes with Pressey wouldn’t bode well for Brown. What I’m expecting from Brown is professionalism. Yes he may not have the starting point guard role but just continue to do what you do, come in and run the offense and play your game.

What I’d like to see from Brown is something unique or different. Show something that no other point guard on the current Detroit Pistons roster has. Van Gundy won’t bring you back if you’re just another Reggie Jackson, only not quite as good as him. Show Van Gundy that you’ve got something that nobody else on his roster does. Outstanding perimeter defence? Three-point assassin? Great chemistry with Ellenson? Anything different will only benefit the chances of Brown being brought back.

If Brown can outplay Gbinije, or if Gbinjie doesn’t play well enough, SVG might have second thoughts about using him at the point, freeing up a potential third string point guard position on the roster. There’s not really any specific skill Brown needs to work on, it’s either try to improve on your overall game, or find that one unique skill Van Gundy may be looking for and do everything in your power to perfect it.

I’m not so sure he will be with Detroit by the end of Summer League, but if he plays his butt off and out performs Gbinije, as well as Pressey, there may be a spot on the end of the bench for him.

Next: Michael Gbinije