Detroit Pistons players possibly in the NBA awards chase

Tony Snell – Most Improved Player

By signing as the new small forward for the Detroit Pistons, Tony Snell has put himself into contention for Most Improved by simply the act of need and usage. The Pistons have been struggling for a true wing/shooter to add to the roster and may have found their guy in Snell, who was acquired by trade from Milwaukee.

Snell has always shown his promise on the defensive end, guarding great players at said position. His lengthy physique has helped net him steals and blocks at his position, though the stats are nothing to write home about.

Detroit knew what they were getting in Snell as a perimeter defender and his 7-foot wing-span should surely help perimeter defense.

What may be a forgotten or less talked about element of Snell is his ability to shoot high percentages. As a team who runs their offense through Blake Griffin, Detroit was one of the league leaders in open three point attempts, yet one of the lowest in three point percentage made. Griffin has created a plethora of opportunity on the perimeter for a wing shooter to take.

That’s where Snell comes in. Snell has shot 40 percent from three over his last three seasons with Milwaukee. With an enormous amount of opportunity here in terms of minutes and shots, Snell could easily shake himself free as a Most Improved candidate averaging a measly 6.0 points per game last season in 17.6 minutes.