Detroit Pistons player review: Two-way guard Kalin Lucas
By Kevin Moore
Kalin Lucas didn’t get much playtime for the Detroit Pistons this season. In fact he only received 6 minutes of action in one game this season.
This season, former Michigan State guard, got the opportunity to suit up for his hometown team and he made sure not to disappoint.On January 15, 2019 the Detroit Pistons signed Kalin Lucas to a two-way contract. Lucas has bounced around the G-League as well as overseas, but he plans to find a home here in Detroit.
Though he didn’t see much playing time with the Pistons, Lucas made every game count playing with the G-League affiliate team.
The 6’1 guard made himself known all around the G-League this year averaging 21.6 points for the Grand Rapids Drive in just 17 games.
He shot 46 percent from the field and behind the three. That’s what you want to see from your guard.
One of the top scorers on the team, Lucas was determined every game to put his team in the best possible chance to win the game.
Lucas also showed his distribution skills on the court averaging 5.5 assists per game.
His basketball IQ continues to improve and it certainly showed this season.
The way he can create his own shot is very impressive and he makes the right move coming off screen and rolls.
Lucas had an impressive two game stretch in which he cashed in back-to-back 30 point game performances. On March 15, Lucas dropped 38 points (14-24 FG, 7-14 3PT, 3-3 FT) for the Drive against Stockton.
That arguably was his best performance of the season.
Everyone has a different path to the NBA and Lucas is making sure that when his number is called, he will be ready. It is not easy being undrafted and expecting to an impact.
But like I said, everyone’s journey is different and Lucas can sense that his time is almost here to show the NBA world what he is made of.
It’s all about how bad you want it and based off the performance Lucas had this season, earning G-League All D-League Third Team for the Drive, I would say he wants it.
This will be a big off-season for Lucas this season if he wants to secure a roster spot for the upcoming season.
Expect Lucas to build more muscle so he can be more physical, especially on the defensive end. If he can continue to shoot well from the field and the three and continue to make plays for his team, I would not be surprised to see him on a NBA team come next season.