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Optimistic look at Stanley Johnson’s upcoming season

By Matthew Rolison

Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) takes a shot against Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) during the third quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) takes a shot against Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) during the third quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stanley Johnson hit a rough patch last season, but it may have just been a fluke. What is in store for Johnson’s third season with the Detroit Pistons?

The Detroit Pistons selected Stanley Johnson eighth overall in the 2015 NBA draft. They passed up on Devin Booker, who went 13th. Many fans, especially after Booker’s last breakout season, are beginning to question selecting Johnson.

Johnson’s first season was a success, averaging 8.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He played in 73 games, connecting on 41 percent of his two point attempts. But, things went downhill in his second season.

His numbers went down to 4.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. That type of regression does not look good for any young prospect, but at only 21 years of age, Stanley Johnson has plenty of time to turn things around.

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At 6’7″ and 245 lbs, Stanley Johnson has the size and skill set to be a dominant force within the league. Assuming his minutes per game increase this coming season, expect Johnson to take full advantage of that extra time.

If Tobias Harris moves into the starting lineup, that gives Johnson more time off the bench at the forward slot. Look to see his numbers shoot up to over ten points a game and at least five rebounds per game. His shaky three point shooting, career 30 percent, should increase as well. This is the year for Stanley Johnson to break out.

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With newly acquired running mate Luke Kennard, there should be more space for Johnson to get his quick drives to the basket, something he flourished at during his time at Arizona. In fact, those athletic and efficient drives are what interested Detroit in the first place. If he can return to that level of play, look out.

The Pistons find themselves in an odd position; on the brink of making or missing the playoffs. When Detroit earned the eighth seed in the 2015-2016 season, Johnson was forced to cover LeBron James in the playoff series. Although the Pistons were swept, it was a competitive series in which all the players gained much needed experience.

That experience was huge for Johnson, considering he was only a rookie in the league at the time. Two years later and he is looking to get the Pistons a playoff berth they desperately need.

With all the current news on Luke Kennard, it is easy to forget about Stanley Johnson. Many are not thinking about the damage the two can really do when on the floor together. Stanley Johnson may have a new best friend.

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Stanley Johnson will look to improve upon his lackluster performance a season ago. He should have little to no trouble getting back on his feet. Johnson should have a chip on his shoulder coming into this season, hoping to put all the criticism to rest. Look out NBA, Stanley Johnson is coming.

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