Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from loss to the Portland Trail Blazers

Detroit Pistons: Hamidou Diallo vs. Josh Jackson

One battle that has not been close so far is Hamidou Diallo vs. Josh Jackson. Diallo already looks like a steal, and even though he has only played three games, Pistons’ fans should be excited.

Diallo was one of the only bright spots against the Blazers, scoring 19 for the second straight game off the bench while adding seven rebounds and three assists.

Diallo also had a steal and a block, showcasing his all-around game that Dwane Casey thinks will get much better:

"“We’re very excited about that young man’s potential, because he gives us someone who can shoot from the outside and attack the basket,” Casey said. “He’s not a finished product, especially as an outside shooter, but he has a lot of room to grow.”"

Jackson has been fairly awful lately and didn’t help his case with an big goose egg last night. He’s another one who Pistons’ fans are overly excited about even though he has been really mediocre.

The idea that he has “blown up” or “taken his game to another level” is hyperbole, as he has mostly been very inefficient on offense and turns the ball over a ton for a guy with his usage rate.

Over the last ten games he has shot 18 percent from 3-point range and 38 percent overall. I don’t care how good your defense is, you can’t put up those kinds of percentages when you are taking as many shots as Jackson does.

Hamidou Diallo looks like a piece of the future core, while Jackson is looking more and more like a guy who had a couple of good weeks before returning to this career norm, which is not good.

The Pistons won’t have much time to stew about this one, as they have another game against the Wizards tonight in a game that could be meaningful for draft position.