Stanley Johnson had an impressive rookie campaign for the Detroit Pistons, but his sophomore season left a bad impression on the Detroit fan base, as did most of the team.
Without a doubt, most every Detroit Pistons’ was scared for the future during the 2016-2017’s season. The team looked like it’ll just be another failed rebuild, the players looked destined for mediocrity, at least the core, and hopes for the team was dashed. But this year is something special, a 10-3 start for a previously 37 win team. While legitimately every player on the team has played a part, Stanley Johnson has been one of the tone setters for defense and his offense game has shown major improvement. Lets go over some of his high points.
Offense
Three-Ball
His three-ball has shown great improvement, hitting it when it matters.
Here the ball screen frees Tobias Harris up shortly, but the Willie Cauley-Stein does a good job covering the three. Harris realizes the close out and uses his advantage in speed to drive past. Then Johnson’s man turns in to dig at the ball, coming off of Johnson to do so. Harris reads it and kicks it out to Johnson who has just enough space to hit the three.
Two pin down screens got Johnson plenty of space from Malachi Richardson, plenty to hit the open three.
Johnson is still far from perfect though. He’s shooting 33.3 percent from deep. While it is below average, his historically bad season opener is an outlier that tilts the scale.
Mid-range
His mid-range jumper has improved too, allowing him to pull up off the drive when needed.
He does waste important time sizing up the defender, standing still instead of driving, passing, or shooting. But once he makes his choice he drives hard. He stops and makes his choice to pull up to beat the clock after putting a move on the defender.
He comes off another pin down screen, takes a step inside the three point line and drains a 21′ jumper.
Inside
Johnson’s overall offensive game has gotten better. Let’s take a quick look at his inside game.
We’ll be looking at this clip again in a moment, for obvious reasons. For now though, it’s worth noting how he finishes over Giannis Antetokounmpo, leading MVP candidate and scarily good shot blocker.
Johnson dunking is a rarity and a half. This is another great look at his improved capability. While Johnson may never be a premiere scorer, his newfound confidence on the offensive end is great for the team as a whole.
Defense
Steals
Johnson’s ability to dig at defenders on their drive has been a big part of his defense this year, accounting for three steals against Milwaukee.
Middleton tried to find his driving lane coming off the screen, fighting against Avery Bradley, which gave Stanley Johnson the opportunity to come in while he wasn’t looking and swipe the ball away, letting Johnson the opportunity to get a layup on the other end.
Johnson’s ability to dig on the drive came in clutch here, keeping the star Antetokounmpo from throwing it down over the six foot two Avery Bradley. With a nine point lead and a minute and 25 seconds left, the steal got us possession, effectively icing the game for the Detroit Pistons.
Next: Pistons video playbook: Week 4
On Ball
The only way to truly appreciate his on ball defense is watching him in game. What we’ll have to do here however, is look at a couple stats. His defensive rating is 106.3. At the end of last year that would’ve tied him for 42nd in the NBA, which would’ve put him in the top seven percent. With Avery Bradley around, the only thing we should see from Stanley on the defensive end is improvement. And that’s all we should expect.