In this edition of Pistons Playbook, we look at how the Detroit Pistons are addressing spacing concerns since the acquisition of Blake Griffin.
When the Pistons traded for Blake Griffin, immediate questions arose regarding the power forward’s ability to play with Andre Drummond.
Though the longtime Los Angeles Clippers star added a three-point game to his repertoire this season, concerns regarding the Pistons’ future spacing were legitimate.
Drummond, despite his massive improvements this year, is a non-shooter. Stanley Johnson isn’t a whole lot better. Reggie Jackson‘s replacement, Ish Smith, routinely turns down open perimeter looks. How could Detroit’s spacing be anything but a disaster?
The answer is quite simple: Griffin commands respect from opponents.
The University of Oklahoma product is a force in the post and one of the most skilled passing big men of all-time. That combination has proven more than adequate for Detroit through Griffin’s first five games.
With Griffin and Drummond on the floor together, the Pistons have an 108.8 offensive rating (which would be good enough for sixth in the league), nearly a full four points per 100 possessions better than Detroit’s season average. That is despite the team only shooting 32 percent from behind the arc, a number that should easily improve once Jackson returns to the lineup.
When Anthony Tolliver replaces Drummond and the team has an extra shooter on the floor, the offensive rating skyrockets to 125.5.
Most importantly, the Pistons have more than held their own with both Griffin and Drummond sharing the court. There is less ball movement, but the passing that does happen is extremely efficient. Over the last five games, Detroit ranks fifth in the league in assist to pass ratio.
Griffin’s ability to find shooters out of the post is the primary reason for that efficiency.
As he backs into the paint and help defenders commit, Griffin finds open shooters as he did with Reggie Bullock against the Portland Trailblazers:
Against the Miami Heat, Griffin this time finds Langston Galloway for an open three when the Heat send extra help:
Notice how Smith cuts to the rim prior to the pass to open up the top of the perimeter. Little moves like that help spacing by causing defenders to vacate otherwise occupied areas.
The added benefit is that when opponents are late to recognize the cut, it creates easy opportunities for Griffin’s teammates:
Though the pass is a bit errant, Smith’s cut leads to points and will turn into even easier points once Griffin develops some chemistry with his teammates.
Detroit’s new power forward creates spacing even when he’s not in the post.
As a serious threat in the pick-and-roll, Griffin caused the Blazers’ defense to collapse, leading to an open corner three for Anthony Tolliver:
Closing the Heat game, Griffin beats his man and draws the corner defender to create a wide-open look for Smith to clinch a victory:
The lack of ball movement may be frustrating at times, but it comes with more-efficient passing and less chance of a turnover.
When point guard Reggie Jackson returns to the starting lineup and the Pistons have another legitimate shooting threat to surround Griffin, the offense should only improve.