The Detroit Pistons have 20 games remaining on their schedule and even though they are near the bottom of the East, there are still plenty of things worth watching.
The Pistons have been one of the most entertaining bad teams in the NBA this season, as they have played competitively for most of it and have four rookies making big contributions.
Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, Killian Hayes and Saben Lee made quite a draft for Troy Weaver, who has pretty much nailed every move that he’s made so far.
But the rookies aren’t the only thing to watch down the stretch. Here are 20 things to watch over the Detroit Pistons’ final 20 games.
Detroit Pistons: Things to watch in remainder of season
- Will Jerami Grant wear down? Grant has been carrying the Pistons all season and has finally showed some signs that it is taking its toll. This is the first time Grant has ever been asked to be a number one scoring option and he is getting a sense of how difficult it is, especially when you don’t have much help. Can he be “the” guy for a whole season?
- Killian Hayes’ injury. Killian Hayes gives Pistons’ fans reason to be excited, but he also gave us reason for panic when he tweaked his hip during his third game back from a hip injury. The Pistons say he is fine but it is definitely something to keep an eye on.
- Saddiq Bey chasing records. Bey has already set the Pistons’ rookie record for 3-pointers made, is chasing down the all-time NBA record, and is at the top of an elite list of rookies who have attempted at least six 3-pointers per game. Oh, and if he has another game of six made 3’s or more, he’ll hold that record as well.
- Can Josh Jackson be more efficient? Jackson has been very good defensively and he gives the Pistons an element of size and energy but he has been pretty bad on the other end, shooting under 30 percent from long range and turning the ball over way too much. If he can clean these problems up, he’ll be one of the better value signings in the league.
- Dennis Smith Jr. has played well at times and has flashed some of the defense and athleticism that made him one of the top rookies from his class. But can he do enough to secure a future roster spot for himself?