Detroit Pistons: SVG sees big year for Stanley Johnson

The Detroit Pistons concluded their 2017-18 media day. What did we find out? Only that Stan Van Gundy is expecting big things from the former 8th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, Stanley Johnson.

The Detroit Pistons have concluded its media day. Do you know what that means?

NBA basketball is back.

So what did we learn from media day? A lot, but there is one comment that has me particularly excited, and the source makes it even more encouraging.

For the record, I too expect a big year from Stanley Johnson.

But what’s fun about this comment is the source. Stan Van Gundy is not one to mince words. Moreover, we’ve all questioned the relationship (or lack thereof) between Johnson and Van Gundy.

If Van Gundy wasn’t legitimately impressed with Johnson’s improvement, he wouldn’t have made that comment.

And the fact that Van Gundy is expecting a “big year”? Well, that to me signals he’s not only confident in Johnson’s improvement, but that he also plans on using Johnson as a key cog for the Pistons.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t expect Johnson to score 20 points per game this season, but I do expect him to be the team’s best front court defender, and I think he will score at least 10 points per game.

Whether you’ve been a fan of Johnson or not, it’s hard to argue about the lack of opportunities he’s gotten. Speaking objectively, he’s also been a disappointment thus far in his career, and hasn’t looked great.

Next: Stan Van Gundy provides Pistons injury report

But I expect that to change this season.