Detroit Pistons’ Johnson wished he’d got more preseason action
Stanley Johnson had a so-so preseason for the Detroit Pistons, not finding a rhythm until late. He wishes he could’ve played more.
Detroit Pistons‘ forward Stanley Johnson had a busy offseason. He played at the Orlando Summer League, Drew League, he played in Team USA practices, and he played in the Pistons’ preseason games.
Yet he wishes he would’ve gotten more action in the preseason. I wish he would have too, but I’ll get into that later in the post.
"Stanley Johnson tried a different pair of shoes in Wednesday night’s exhibition loss to the Toronto Raptors. And his left foot pain subsided.That was a good bit of news for the Detroit Pistons’ second-year swingman, who missed Monday’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Doctors told him that his pair of Kobe Bryants likely was the cause, so he switched to another pair of black Nikes.“Today was pretty mild,” he said Thursday. “I had a little pad in there and I had different shoes on, so maybe the doctors know what they’re talking about.”Johnson got extensive playing time Wednesday. Coach Stan Van Gundy wanted to see him at shooting guard.He struggled guarding Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, and the two earned technicals for yapping at each other. He shot 3-for-7 from the field in scoring seven points.Johnson, who has struggled in the preseason, said he finally was able to find a rhythm Wednesday.“Especially in the second half, getting some flow,” Johnson said. “I wish I would have played a couple more games in the preseason to get some more flow.”"
I included the bit about the shoe news mostly to calm any concerns about his foot injury.
It’s also a perfect illustration of the the stubbornness Stan Van Gundy has been talking about with Johnson all offseason.
It’s head scratching.
As for the comments about preseason burn, I get it.
Regardless of how much basketball Johnson has played this offseason, each setting completely stands on it’s own.
Summer League and Drew League are both good for conditioning and fundamental developments, but neither compare to NBA action.
Team USA was a great experience for Johnson. Being around the elite of the elite, competing, and learning from those guys is awesome, but the game is played a bit differently–shoot they even use a different ball.
In terms of preparation for the upcoming season, the best atmosphere for Johnson was preseason where he was hindered by a foot injury and played sporadic minutes.
Next: Anonymous scouts talk Pistons season and outlook
I wish Johnson could have played more too. Getting a feel for teammates, schemes, and pace are invaluable as you prepare for the NBA season, particularly for young players like Johnson.