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

3. Off Ball Movement

Dwane Casey has only been in Detroit for a year. In that period of time, we’ve seen more complexity in the offense than we ever saw with Stan Van Gundy. Of course, it’s still early, so I wouldn’t expect the Pistons to swing the ball like the 2014 San Antonio Spurs.

In this preseason, Casey has shown an array of new sets. Mainly, floppy sets that weren’t exactly featured last year. A ball-handler on the top of the key, two screeners baseline and a shooter coming off those screens running and ready to shoot. In this play, Tony Snell plays that role and a subsequent pin down is set for Morris to come off the curl.

Last year, the bench used such sets to get Galloway open but the starting unit rarely did so. It would be very interesting to explore Snell’s shooting abilities but most importantly, Blake Griffin attacking off the curl. More of that, please.

Another staple for last season’s bench. A staggered high ball screen turns into a wide pin down for Svi Mykhailiuk. This is just a great set to get shooters like Snell, Kennard and Galloway open. And it provides them with a ton of options when the defense can take away the initial shot.

The Pistons have looked active off the ball all preseason. The team hasn’t had many practices to get things down but continuity helps. As the season progresses I’ll be looking for more and more nuance and I hope the coaching staff and the players can deliver.

There’s nothing that confuses a defense like sharp off-ball movement and this has to come naturally to the players. It’s the coach’s job to instill those habits as soon as possible and up until now, Casey is doing a good job.

As the season goes on, I’ll be looking for plays like this. Possessions where no play was called but the players were able to cooperate with timing and precision and create efficient shots. The lack of lead handlers against the Hornets helped in that regard, as players had to make a concentrated effort to get themselves and others open with screens and cuts.

Now, let’s hope that translates into the season. Concentration and effort will be key. Willingness to move the ball around already seems to be there.