The Detroit Pistons have completed their first day of training camp and the excitement around the team is palpable.
We already got some iconic (and funny) photos from media day but yesterday the young Detroit Pistons got to work on improving from last year’s 20-win season.
With the first day of training camp in the books, here are some promising signs from Day 1, all of which will be things to watch as camp progresses into preseason.
Detroit Pistons: Frank Jackson’s mustache
Ok, let’s start with something stupid, yet amazing: Frank Jackson’s mustache.
https://twitter.com/DetroitPistons/status/1442987491888295938
Just look at that beauty. I’m going to date myself with this reference but kindly Google “Ozone, Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo” for historical reference to how great this ‘stache is. You don’t come into camp with that thing over your lip unless you are ready to dominate.
Ok, now onto the real stuff.
Detroit Pistons: The focus is on defense
One of the quotes from media day that stuck with me was Isaiah Stewart saying that the Pistons’ success all starts with the defense.
Dwane Casey agrees, which is why that was the focus in the first day of practice and probably all through training camp:
#Pistons Dwane Casey on early focus in training camp: "We're in defensive mode now. It's mainly getting our defensive mindset in over the next two days."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) September 28, 2021
The Detroit Pistons were 10th in points allowed last season, so defense is something they should be building around. When you see that the top-11 teams in defensive rating all made the playoffs last season, it shows that defense matters even more in this offensive era.
The Pistons have clearly made it a focus with how they have constructed their roster, as well as some of the coaches they are bringing in to help with practice.