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Louis King could be the Detroit Pistons hidden gem

By Nicolas Henkel

AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Louis King #14 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during the Detroit Pistons Media Day at Pistons Practice Facility on September 30, 2019 in Auburn Hills, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Louis King #14 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during the Detroit Pistons Media Day at Pistons Practice Facility on September 30, 2019 in Auburn Hills, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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After spending a majority of his rookie season in the G-League with the Grand Rapids Drive, Louis King could shine with the Detroit Pistons.

The Detroit Pistons’ plan moving forward is going to involve developing their young players and giving them as much playing time as possible.

The good news is that they have plenty of potential talent on their roster, and with their developmental team in Grand Rapids. Between Luke Kennard, Bruce Brown, Sekou Doumbouya, and Svi Mykhailiuk, there’s plenty of work to be done.

One name that can easily be added to the list is Louis King. He’s one of the Pistons two players on two-way contracts, (Jordan Bone being the other) and his potential hasn’t gone unnoticed by the fans.

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King only appeared in ten games for Detroit this season and was rarely given quality minutes, surpassing 11 minutes in just three of those games. He last played in the NBA on February 7th.

The damage he dealt this season was with the Grand Rapids Drive, where he averaged 15.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on .420/.343/.808 shooting splits.

The elevation and release point on his jump shot is slightly unorthodox, yet it’s effective.

King’s ability to fight through contact at the rim has gotten better as the season’s moved along, but time will tell how he’s able to preform at the next level.

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Heading into next season, there may be slightly more opportunity for him to see some minutes in Detroit. As it stands a lot of their players are capable of running multiple positions, so it could open up some time at small forward.

Dwane Casey famously rewards defensive effort over everything else, and King brings that to the table. Averaging 1.3 steals per game, he’s a pesky defender and knows how to use his length to his advantage.

He’s able to stay in front of his man and jump passing lanes with ease.

His offensive potential feels higher than it is on defense, but he’s effective on both sides. The Pistons may have some holes to fill once free agency hits, so rather than spending money on players to fill out the rotation, they could utilize preexisting ones.

King’s consistency waivers, but his effort doesn’t. The scoring punches he could provide may not be sizable, but they’ll be noticeable.

He’s a great catch and shoot threat in the corner, and could pair well with whatever player (a presumed point guard) Detroit opts to select in the upcoming NBA Draft.

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