Detroit Pistons: Three players due for a breakout season

The Detroit Pistons look to bounce back this season and contend in the eastern conference. Which player could step up and help them do that?

Despite having another disappointing season last year, the Detroit Pistons had some guys surprise and perform well. They have had added free agents and draft picks to the mix this off-season as well. Could any of those players be in for a breakout season?

The Detroit Pistons have three players there are due for a big season. Who are they?

Andre Drummond

Saying that Drummond will have a breakout season shouldn’t come to many as a surprise. Although he has his critics (including myself), he’s been one of the more consistent players they’ve had over the past two seasons.

He’s been durable and improved upon his game for the most part. It’s more than what you can say about others on this team.

Videos have surfaced of Drummond knocking down three-point shots throughout the off-season. He told the Score it will be used in games next season.

"“I don’t do stuff (on the court) just to have fun,” Drummond said. “If I’m taking those shots, (it’s because) I’m working on it for the upcoming season. Those are shots that I’m gonna be taking. I make at least 200 corner 3s every day before I leave the gym. I’m getting them up. I’m getting the same shot up over and over again, so I’m getting more comfortable with it. It’s been great so far.”"

Adding this to his offensive game can be a nightmare for the rest of the league. Last season, the Pistons ran a lot of plays through Drummond where he moved the ball.

Think about it, the guy already averages 16 rebounds a game. Add 20-plus points to that a night and he immediately becomes one of the best players in the league.

It’s not a stretch to say it will happen. Drummond continues to improve and is still young.

Reggie Bullock

Bullock improved his game significantly last season. In fact, he had the best season of his career last year. He set career highs in minutes, points, three-point percentage, and overall field goal percentage.

It’s safe to assume that he will be the starting shooting guard on this team. The Pistons have a lot of shooters on this team so he might even see some time at small forward considering his 6-7 frame.

What helps Bullock’s case for a breakout season is new head coach Dwane Casey. He’s stressed the idea of more three-point attempts and shots around the rim.

If Drummond can be respectable from outside, it will just add to more spacing on the floor. Players like Bullock will reap the benefits.

Reggie Jackson

Jackson’s biggest problem has been his durability. He’s missed a ton of games over the past two seasons. Many people forget how good he was three years ago when the Detroit Pistons were competing in the playoffs.

He averaged 18 points, six assists and three rebounds per game. Jackson was the catalyst to a team that restored hope in many Piston fans after many dreadful seasons.

He is still that catalyst and/or the missing piece to this puzzle. They’ve struggled mightily without him. The Pistons were 12-25 without him on the floor last season. On the flip side, they were 27-18 with him on the floor.

Say what you want about his attitude or his game, there’s no denying his importance to this team. This year is a big one for him moving forward.

Jackson hasn’t had this kind of talent around him in Detroit. Drummond has improved. They added Blake Griffin to the mix. The Pistons were one of the best shooting teams last season.

All that adds up to a lot resources for Jackson. It’s exciting to think about.