3 takeaways from Detroit Pistons 116-110 win over the Charlotte Hornets

2. Point Guard insurance

A team’s third point guard should never be the deciding factor for their success. Unfortunately, last year, that position proved to be the thorn in the Pistons side, and that was because Jose Calderon was holding it.

This year, the Pistons managed to sign Frazier, a small but capable floor general who is closer to Ish Smith than Calderon in terms of production. He shares Smith’s passing ability, maybe even surpasses it, as his lack of length. But not his pace.

Frazier dished 12 dimes last night, had a steal and a block, turning it over only twice. His pull up game looked nice and he scored 15 points on 9 attempts to score. He also made 2 of his 3 threes. But his passing is definitely the most impressive part of his game.

Frazier can meticulously orchestrate the offense and can come in when needed and hold the team to a high standard of play. He reads the floor well and when paired with good scorers he can get them open. In the half-court, if I dare to say, he’s even better than Smith.

He just has a calmness and rhythm to his game. He doesn’t get much dribble penetration but he causes as much confusion for the defense as needed for others to attack the openings.

And he’s a great passer. That’s definitely his best quality. Look how he finds Wood with this tough dump off.

Bruce Brown also kept up his good play, proving once more that he can handle the ball against bench units. Defenders keep going under on his screens but against lesser competition, Brown has found ways to be effective.

His first step is just so quick that, even when defenders allow him space, he can get by them. And the Pistons, after all these years with Smith on the team, know how to handle a defender going under the screen.

Lately, we’ve seen Casey using the old Spain pick & roll when Brown is handling the ball. That is a ball screen with a third teammate screening the screener’s defender and is extremely useful for speedy guards like Brown that can attack right away.

Between Frazier and Brown, the Pistons can sleep in peace knowing that they can manage for a while if one of their point guards goes down.