How do you feel about the Detroit Pistons after the opener?

The Detroit Pistons started its 2017-18 season with a convincing win against the Charlotte Hornets. It’s one game, but how do you feel about the Pistons and its season going forward?

The Detroit Pistons opened the 2017-18 season, and ceremonial Little Caesar’s arena debut with a convincing win against the Charlotte Hornets.

In this game, the Pistons got an exceptional performance from Tobias Harris, who finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, three assists. He also set a career-high for points in a quarter with 17 points in the first quarter.

The Pistons also got great defensive play from Avery Bradley and Stanley Johnson who were suffocating the Hornets’ offense all night.

Even more encouraging, the Pistons got solid bench play from Henry Ellenson (13 points, four rebounds) and Langston Galloway (16 points, four rebounds, three steals).

All in all it was a well-rounded performance from the Pistons.

So that leaves just one question: How do you feel about the Pistons moving forward?

My take?

I feel good. In a game where Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson were just “okay”, the Pistons found a way to take a double-digit lead early with a hot start from Harris and the bench.

Even more encouraging, Avery Bradley’s abilities should provide the Pistons with a consistent scoring option based on his ability to get to the basket–something the Pistons lacked from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a nightly basis.

I was also impressed with Galloway. The Pistons haven’t had a two-guard off the bench that can score and handle like he can for some time. Yes, it likely means little minutes for Pistons’ rookie Luke Kennard, but if Galloway looks as good as he did on opening night, the Pistons’ bench is going to be very good.

Speaking of a very good bench player, Henry Ellenson really stood out. While still a defensive liability, Ellenson’s offense more than made up for his defensive limitations. I don’t know if he can continue to shoot 50% from the field while taking mostly jump shots–though all of his jump shots were wide-open set ups from Ish Smith–but if he can be that Ryan Anderson-type of player for Van Gundy, the Pistons’ bench will be much improved.

When considering this game, context is important. The Pistons have only played one game. The team they played was down two starters, and the Pistons likely came out with a ton of energy playing in its new arena for the first time.

However, this team is appears to be built differently than in season’s past. I have high expectations for the tandem of Harris and Johnson defensively, and Bradley’s scoring punch is exciting for the Pistons’ first unit. The bench, with Smith’s play-making, Galloway’s ball handling and Ellenson’s shooting touch, also looks very good.

Next: Detroit Pistons top Charlotte Hornets on opening night

It’s early, but I am encouraged. What about you?