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Detroit Pistons 2019-20 preview: Bruce Brown’s profile

By Sean McFadden

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Bruce Brown #6 of the Detroit Pistons takes a shot against Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game Four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 22, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Bruce Brown #6 of the Detroit Pistons takes a shot against Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game Four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 22, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
DETROIT, MI – APRIL 22: Bruce Brown #6 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Reviewing Brown’s 2018-19 season

Unlike many second round picks, Brown saw ample playing time during his rookie season and gave us a good look at what he can offer to the Pistons moving forward.

What is immediately clear is that Brown has the potential to grow into an elite defensive presence. Per-36 minutes, Brown averaged 1.0 SPG and 0.9 BPG while posting a healthy 1.6 Defensive Win Shares and 1.7 Defensive Box Plus-Minus. He showed good energy on the defensive end along with active feet and an ability to stifle opposing players.

At times, Brown can effectively utilize his length and speed to swallow up ball handlers and force bad looks. He likewise exhibited a solid defensive IQ by attacking passing lanes and used quick hands to force steals, like this:

For now, Bruce Brown will make his living on the defensive end. Much like former Piston Stanley Johnson, Brown has a strong frame and good defensive instincts that make him a valuable piece of Detroit’s rotation. Offensively, however, Brown was a serious liability last season and showed that his shooting touch needs significant work.

As a shooting guard, Brown will have to improve his 3-point shooting tremendously if he hopes to continue seeing consistent minutes on an NBA roster. His abysmal 25.8 percent from behind the arc exacerbated the Pistons’ lack of spacing and effectively made him a non-factor on the offensive end.

Related Story. What is the future of the Pistons point guard position?. light

His finishing ability at the rim likewise leaves much to be desired. Brown showed an ability to run in transition and wasn’t afraid of shooting through contact, but had little success finishing close opportunities.

For Brown to continue serving as the Pistons’ starting shooting guard, he will have to find an offensive game that suits him and allows him to positively contribute.

Overall, Brown delivered solid production for a second round pick in his rookie season. The defensive upside is there and is valuable to the Pistons – his offensive game will need to take a leap, however, for him to be considered a piece of Detroit’s core moving forward.

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