Detroit Pistons: Setting 2017-2018 goals for each of the starting five

Anticipation for the Detroit Pistons 2017-2018 season is building as training camp approaches. Ahead of the season, some regular season goals for each member of the starting five.

The projected starting five for the Detroit Pistons is as follows: Reggie Jackson, Avery Bradley, Stanley Johnson, Tobias Harris, and Andre Drummond.

Only Bradley faces a contract year, though both Jackson and Drummond should enter the year with caution.

That being said, what should each player aspire to accomplish next season?

Guard, Reggie Jackson– 7.0 Assists Per Game

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Jackson’s strength is scoring the basketball. It always has been, and it’s what inked his five-year, $80 million deal back in 2015.

For a team like Detroit that’s filled with so many offensive weapons, they haven’t reached a sense of fluidity. The offense is either fast and inefficient, or slow and sloppy.

Per NBA.com, the other four members of last year’s starting five (Caldwell-Pope, Harris, Morris, and Drummond) were assisted just over 100 more times by backup point guard Ish Smith.

Yes, he played only 52 games, but the point still stands.

If Jackson is looking to secure his role on this roster, it’s apparent what has to be done. More assists means a better moving offense, and likely a better future for this guard’s career.

Guard, Avery Bradley– 1.6 Steals Per Game

Bradley is a defensive focus two-guard with a natural drive to compete. It’s what makes for his admirable stature on that side of the ball.

Coming from Boston, Bradley was averaging 6.2 rebounds per game. While that’s certainly a welcome stat for a 6’2″ 180 lbs guard, he’s not going to find them playing in this lineup.

Instead, Bradley should set his sights on forcing more turnovers on the same side of the ball.

Last season, the Pistons ranked fourth league wide in rebounds per game. It would be more beneficial for the team if Bradley prioritizes his efforts elsewhere.

HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 07: Stanley Johnson /

Forward, Stanley Johnson – 8.0 Points Per Game, Efficiently

The hype for Stanley Johnson’s sophomore season was real, and the disappointment was too.

After averaging 8.2 points per game his rookie year, he slid down to an average of 4.4 last year.

Not to mention his shooting percentage, which were among the worst on the team, given his role on roster. Johnson shot 35 percent from the field, and 29 percent from behind the arc.

Two years ago, he was a star forward at Arizona shooting 45 and 37 percent respectively.

If Detroit can (and they like will) increase his exposure of 17.8 minutes per game, Johnson can get back to what he was doing best; scoring on efficient percentages.

Forward, Tobias Harris – 20.0 Points Per Game

Harris had arguably the best season of any individual player on roster last year, after averaging 16.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

However, despite his major contributions, it’d be nice to see Harris really take responsibility as the primary scorer in this offense.

As the second highest paid player on this team, this forward is more than qualified for a little more responsibility.

In an ideal situation where Jackson is slowing down his offense, Harris can amp his up, the Pistons as a team may see more winning basketball.

Center, Andre Drummond – 1.5 Blocks Per Game

It’s hard to complain about or blame Andre Drummond for any of the Detroit Pistons’ downfalls.

In short, he’s been an absolute stand up guy. He averaged 13.6 points and 13.8 rebounds last year, and played through a whole 81 games.

Pretty much exactly what you want from your franchise player.

If he can improve anything (aside from his horrid free throw shooting), it’s not too much to ask for more aggression away from the glass. Drummond posted a 1.1 blocks per game average last year.

Next: Reggie Jackson says he's had no setbacks

For anyone questioning this big man’s place next to today’s best centers, some more blocks would help silence all doubt.

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Setting 2017-2018 Season Goals for Each of the Pistons Starting Five

By Collin Loring | Sep 21, 2017