Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from the loss to the Magic

The Detroit Pistons lost another competitive game which has been the theme of this rebuilding season.

With Delon Wright out with injury, Blake Griffin no longer playing for the Pistons and Jahlil Okafor and Killian Hayes likely out for the season, the Pistons were shorthanded and the Magic took advantage.

Nikola Vucevic had a huge night with 37 points and the Detroit Pistons had no answer for him down low (more on that later).

There were some positives in the game but overall the Pistons couldn’t hit open shots, so a good defensive effort was wasted.

Here are three takeaways from the loss to the Magic, which dropped the Detroit Pistons to 8-22 overall and the second-worst record in the NBA.

Detroit Pistons: Will Saben Lee be converted?

Saben Lee made his case to get a full-time contract, scoring 12 points and adding five assists, four rebounds, three steals and some nasty missed dunks in 33 minutes of play.

Two-way players have to be converted after spending 45 days with the NBA team, so that will be something to keep an eye on, as the 21-year-old rookie has shown some flashes and has certainly played better than Dennis Smith Jr. who is not taking advantage of his opportunity.

Detroit Pistons: The Pistons cannot shoot

The Pistons were a pathetic 11-40 from 3-point range for 27.5 percent.

Josh Jackson missed all six of his attempts from long range but just about every Piston got in on the bricklaying. Even rookie sharpshooter Saddiq Bey only made 3-of-10. 

This has been a problem all season and Detroit is now 26th in the NBA overall in 3-point percentage.

This is something that will need to be addressed in the offseason, as the Pistons need more shooters, especially if Svi Mykhailiuk continues to struggle.

Detroit Pistons: The Pistons lack of size killed them against the Magic

When Mason Plumlee sat for a long stretch in the 4th quarter, the Pistons had no answer for Vucevic.

Rookie Isaiah Stewart has played well this season and grabbed another eight rebounds and added three blocks against the Magic, but overall, the Pistons are a bit undersized.

I like the idea of running with positionless wings who can switch all over the place but the Pistons could use some more size in the paint.

This will be another issue to address this offseason, as the roster is unbalanced with guards and could use another power forward or center who can protect the rim.

The Detroit Pistons’ season is going as planned, as they are headed for a chance at a top pick while getting their rookies plenty of playing time, but it would be nice for them to pick up a W every now and then against a team that is not a contender.