Reggie Bullock’s 3-point shooting was one of the bright spots for the Detroit Pistons last season. After a career-year, here are three goals for the shooting guard in 2018-19.
It’s time we turn to a new chapter for the Detroit Pistons. The 2017-18 chapter has ended, and the 2018-19 edition is set to begin. The question that now awaits Pistons fans is, “What will be said and written in this chapter within when it’s all said and done?”
One of those story lines is the rise and emergence of Reggie Bullock as the starting shooting guard.
Bullock has been quite the surprise for the Pistons since his arrival in 2015.
After being drafted 25th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2013, Bullock struggled to receive playing time before arriving in Detroit. Now, he is a potential starter on a perennial playoff team.
Whether or not though, Bullock is the starter, has yet to be decided. Coming into training camp, one of the main story lines for the Pistons will be the starter at shooting guard.
That is where this great story of the Pistons’ 2018-19 season will commence.
So, while we await the season to begin, here are three goals for Bullock in the upcoming year.
Goal 1: Earn the starting job
This one is quite simple.
Reggie Bullock must retain what became his in 2017: the starting job. Last year, he put together a fantastic season in his first year as a full-time starter in the NBA.
Bullock was one of the feel-good stories during the second half of the season. From Jan. 27 on, Bullock averaged 14.8 points per game, and proved himself to be the most consistent shooter on the Pistons, shooting 45.1 percent from three during that span.
His ability to shoot at such a clip is something that is simply irreplaceable. It allows for more ball movement, as well as spacing, both of which open driving and cutting lanes for the rest of the team.
Goal 2: Shoot over 40 percent from three
What makes Reggie Bullock such a key member of the Pistons is his 3-point shooting. It was his bread and butter last year.
Bullock’s shooting percentage of 45.1 was impressive, and it should give Pistons fans a reason to be excited.
He led the NBA in 3-point percentage for players that made over 100 3-pointers in what was, essentially, the majority of the second half of the season.
The only player ahead of Bullock was Darren Collison. Bullock finished ahead of guys such as Otto Porter, Klay Thompson, Joe Ingles, and Kyle Korver. If he can maintain this kind of shooting, the Pistons may have something here that can help push them back to the playoffs.
Goal 3: Play in at least 70 games
This would be a first for Reggie Bullock in his career. As a pro, he struggled to see the floor prior to his arrival in Detroit. He regularly received DNP’s, CD’s, and was even listed as an inactive several times.
Once he received an opportunity throughout his first, full year with the Detroit Pistons, Bullock suffered from hip and back issues. This included a left meniscus tear during the 2016-17 season.
In his first full, healthy year, Bullock managed to play in 62 games, doubling what he played in 2016-17, and a career-high compared to the 43 he played during his rookie season.