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The Detroit Pistons Mid-Season Awards

By Steven Bryant

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 13: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 13, 2020 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 13: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 13, 2020 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Sekou Doumbouya #45 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
Sekou Doumbouya #45 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pleasant Surprise: Sekou Doumbouya

I’m not sure about all of you, but I was expecting Sekou Doumbouya to play in the G-League for most of, if not, all of the season. The rookie just turned 19 and was guarding LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.

This season, he’s averaging 8.1 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game in 15 games (though of the 15, he’s played more than 10 minutes in eight). His shooting has been efficient as he’s shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc on six field-goal attempts per game.

Though I would’ve liked Mount Doom for Sekou (sorry Duncan), Doumbouya has been a very pleasant surprise for this Pistons team. Injuries are not ideal for any team, but it’s allowed the young talent of this roster to flourish.

From Bruce Brown, to Christian Wood, to Doumbouya, to Jordan Bone getting some small reps, the games might not look pretty, but the young guns are getting time on the court. And still, only a handful of games out of the eighth seed.

Related Story. Detroit Pistons: Sekou Doumbouya’s break out game against the Boston Celtics. light

I know it’s hard not to play the game of comparison with prospects, but expectations and stat comparisons should be a little tempered. He might not be the next Pascal Siakam or Giannis Antetokounmpo. Pushing these comparisons, especially onto the shoulders of a 19-year-old, can be unfair.

It could also turn the fan base against him if he doesn’t reach expectations. That being said, I expect nothing less than three MVPs and a ten-time All-NBA player with a couple of Defensive Player of the Year awards.

End of Season Pleasant Surprise: Christian Wood (If Andre Drummond is traded, it’ll be Sekou Doumbouya if Drummond remains with the team).

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