Embattled second-year forward Stanley Johnson has recently fallen out of favor with Stan Van Gundy, and virtually out of the Detroit Pistons’ rotation. Friday, Van Gundy spoke on the topic.
It’s been obvious to all for most of the season and preseason. Something isn’t right with Stanley Johnson, and the sophomore’s minutes and spot in the Detroit Pistons‘ rotation have reflected that.
Johnson has received two DNP-CDs in the past seven games, including Wednesday’s game against the Boston Celtics, and he was suspended for violating team rules two weeks ago for the Pistons’ win over the Los Angeles Clippers. He also played just two minutes the game after his suspension in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, on the second night of a back-to-back.
Over that stretch, his spot in the rotation has largely been supplanted by Darrun Hilliard. While Hilliard is not getting minutes like Johnson did last year, he has played 12 minutes or more in three of the last four games while Johnson mostly rides the bench.
Related Story: Reggie Jackson's injury may be a blessing in disguise
Head coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy has clearly been displeased with Johnson, and he spoke on the topic with reporters earlier Friday in Atlanta.
"“Stan has to become a much better worker and learner,” Pistons president-coach Stan Van Gundy said Friday before Detroit’s game against the Atlanta Hawks (8 p.m., FSD).“He just does. He’s a great competitor — if you put him on the floor, he’s going to work really, really hard. But he’s got to get better at all the stuff that leads up to going onto the court.”Van Gundy specifically pointed to practice and off-days, where Johnson, now 20, sometimes puts in less than 100 percent effort compared to his fellow bench counterparts.“He’s got to be a better practice guy,” Van Gundy said. “He’s got to be a better workout guy. He’s got to be better with all that stuff. Really working to get better. Once he’s out there competing, you don’t have a problem with that. He’ll play as hard as anybody, but he’s got to understand that’s not the whole thing. It’s preparing to play.”"
With clarity comes guidance, and a way for Johnson to work his way back into Van Gundy’s good graces. Part of being a pro is consistency and effort, and a second-year bench player on a playoff team with high upside should be one of the hardest workers.
Next: K.J. Chouinard talks Pistons vs Hawks
Of course, effort and consistency are character issues, and it’s not uncommon to see young players waver on these counts. Fortunately, Van Gundy has given Johnson an early opportunity to avert course and make corrections.
We’ll see how it plays out going forward.