Detroit Pistons: Garza, Bey and bench shine at open practice
The Detroit Pistons hosted their annual open practice today at Little Caesars Arena. Well, actually it was last held in 2019, as last year’s was cancelled due to the pandemic.
The crowd was excited to be back in the building, and the energy was felt by the fans who attended the event.
Early on, you could feel the optimism on fans face as the open practice started. We’ll discuss some of the things that caught my eye.
Detroit Pistons open practice takeaways
Luka Garza looked great
Luka Garza did not start in the team scrimmage Saturday. However he stole the show.
With Cade Cunningham being sidelined due to a ankle injury, Garza was a fan favorite and his game easily explains why. The Iowa product showed size, strength and a shooting touch.
He at times looked like the best big on the floor, scoring in a variety of ways.
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Garza wasn’t in the game long before the fans started chanting “M-V-P” as he shot free throws. This motivated Luka to outperform his counterparts, even if it was just for the scrimmage.
Garza outplayed Isaiah Stewart with energy and hard work. That’s no easy task, as the NBA All-Rookie player pestered veterans consistently last season with his hustle and physicality.
The 6-11 center showed flashes of what he can do, and that’s exactly what open practice is for.
Garza will continue to work on his lateral quickness, so he can be more effective defensively. However, he didn’t seem to be a liability on defense in this.
His overall game is much more refined when he watching in person. Garza rebounds well and his strength allows him to play through contact. He very well could end up with minutes if another big finds their way into coach Dwane Casey’s dog house.
Detroit Pistons: Bench brigade wins
The Pistons had the starters go against the second unit, and the reserves won easily, 81-55.
The veterans on the bench showed out for the Gray team, while the Blue team looked as if they were just going through the motions. This gave the Gray team the opportunity to go up19 points in the first half. They basically seized control of the lead and never relinquished it. The Gray’s lead ballooned to almost 30 points before the final buzzer sounded.
This bench may be the strength of Detroit. I could see them being a top tier bench, production-wise. The added depth that general manager Troy Weaver provided will pay dividends once the season approaches.
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Guys like Kelly Olynyk and Cory Joseph showed that experience can still be of value. These two veterans will be staples of the second unit, using their knowledge to help the team.
A strong mix of veterans, with young players like Frank Jackson (who also played really well), Luka Garza, Hamidou Diallo and company, could be just what the doctor ordered.
This gives the Pistons subs youth and experience, allowing each player to play to their strengths. It should be exciting watching this bench throughout the year.
So Detroit Pistons fans get your popcorn ready. This bench should be an added dimension to a youthful starting core.
Saddiq Bey is driving more
Saddiq Bey in his first year as a Piston set rookie records shooting three-pointers.
His three-point stroke single-handedly catapulted him to the first team NBA all-rookie team. The coaching staff. knowing he’ll receive attention when he is on the three-point line, wanted him to expand his game.
During the open practice he showed his ability to put the ball on the floor.
Bey was able to put the ball on the floor and finish. He had an exciting dunk when they tried to run him off the three-point line.
He also managed to make some nice passes as well. This should be skills that will translate to the regular season.
If the Villanova product can make plays for himself, or others. when he puts it on the floor, it will help his teammates drastically. His all-around game looks to be growing as he learns more.
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If he continues his development in that part of his game, he could be a more viable option moving forward.
This will allow the coaching staff to open up new wrinkles in the offense, and explore creative offensive schemes.
Bey has the rebounding potential and shooting touch needed on this team. His role is expected to expand and he showed glimpses of what to expect this year in today’s open practice.
The Detroit Pistons should be much improved. The record might not reflect the growth of this team this year. The energy I seen in the building was high octane.
Detroit Pistons open practice was a success
The Detroit Pistons fans I spoke with felt the same way. Ben Katzman, an avid Pistons fan, was highly impressed with Luka Garza.
He said “Garza is a work horse, he’s all hustle, he’s the perfect fit for the Pistons” with excitement.
Josiah James, a Detroit native, attended the game with his wife agreed. “Luka is gonna be hard to keep out of the rotation, he’s bigger and stronger in person” James said.
These Pistons fans are excited, and they should be too.
The open practice was a success and Pistons fans are more ready than ever to start this season. Besides the basketball, these events were made fun for the whole family. The interaction with Pistons dance team and mascot Hooper gave kids smiles from ear to ear.
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