The Detroit Pistons forward showed promise last season. There are high expectations for the young wingman, how good can he be in 2021?
Svi Mykhailiuk had some impressive games for the Detroit Pistons during the 2019-2020 season. The former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers was acquired in a trade during his rookie season. He now is considered a crucial piece to the team’s rebuild.
In 56 games last season, he averaged 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and shot 40 percent from three.
But for a month and a half stretch, Svi played wonderfully. What was more impressive is that he had moments where he played at such a high level, fans began to wonder if he could become a star in this league.
Everybody who watched the young forward knew that he was a very good perimeter shooter.
From late December to early February, Svi averaged 12.5 points on 43 percent shooting from three-point range in 28 minutes per game. He also shot 86 percent from the line and averaged a couple rebounds and a couple assists.
His three-point shooting was exciting. Svi is a great spot up shooter, but he was also able to run off picks for an open look. In that December-February stretch, he really demonstrated his athletic ability to create space for himself as well.
Unfortunately, he suffered an injury and had to miss five games. He came back to play 10 games before the season was cancelled due to Covid-19.
He took a couple games to get going again as is expected post injury, but when March came, he was shaping back into his previous form.
Hoping to build on that momentum, Svi is expected to take another leap in his game.
Svi can be more than a three-point specialist. Per Basketball Reference, he was 57 percent (40-70) on field goals at the rim. The 70 attempts were good for his second most attempted shot behind three-pointers.
It is definitely still an area of his game that he can improve at, but it shows he is not afraid to take it to the hole and face contact.
He has a solid handle and at 6’7″ his willingness to drive is going to create more opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Luke Kennard said this in the Detroit Free Press article “Why Detroit Pistons believe ‘basketball purist’ Svi Mykhailiuk is ready for leap,” by Omari Sankofa II:
"“Svi is a workhorse, man. He’s always in the gym, he’s always there getting shots up early, staying after. He’s a smart player, he’s just smooth. He’s a pure shooter, he’s a scorer, he knows how to play the game of basketball. And I saw his confidence just continue to grow throughout the year. It was good to see.”"
His shot resembles the same form as Klay Thompson, but his defense does not. To become a legitimate NBA starter he will have to focus on that area of his game. He has the work ethic to do so.
Blake Griffin had this to say about his teammate in the same Detroit Free Press article:
"“Svi, I think he’s one of the guys on our team who’s just a basketball purist. He’s putting in the time every single day, he’s in the gym multiple times a day. He’s listening, he’s learning, he’s watching. He has a really good feel for the game and I saw his confidence grow.”"
Entering a season in which high expectations are hoisted onto a young player can be too much pressure. Everything coming out of the Pistons camp seems to suggest Svi doesn’t mind that.
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So how much of a leap can realistically be expected for the former 2nd round pick?
His minutes should be around the 30 mark, maybe even more. With consistent playing time, Svi should score close to 15-17 points per game.
He will shoot over 40 percent from three and somewhere around 87 percent from the line. It would be nice if he could get to 5 rebounds and 4 assists a game.
Svi’s per 36 numbers in 2019-2020 were 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game on 40 percent shooting from three.
Of course it would be great if he started averaging 18-20 points, but when looking at someone’s ceiling you still have to be realistic. Last year was his first time starting in the NBA and first time with real playing time.
Svi Mykhailiuk will get more recognition and attention this season from opposing teams too. There will be more scouting available on him and he won’t be able to surprise anyone.
It doesn’t sound like a problem to him. He could become one of the best shooters in the league and next year will be another step in his ascent.