Detroit Pistons: 3 things to watch rest of season
Detroit Pistons forward Marvin Bagley III (35). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Pick and Roll Action (The Bagley lll effect)
Newly acquired big man Marvin Bagley lll shown some good things in his first game. He debuted with 10 points and 8 rebounds in just over 20 minutes for the Pistons even though he was part of one practice. He’s productive while learning on the fly, as he gets acclimated to his new team. So far, so good.
Pairing him with either Killian Hayes or Cade Cunningham in pick and rolls could be a match made in heaven. Both young guards will thrive in that type of action, putting their high-level passing on full display.
Cunningham will benefit highly with Bagley lll on the floor. His presence will force defenders to respect the lob threat, an offensive weapon virtually non-existent until Bagley’s arrival. This could force teams into more drop coverages, giving Cade room to operate in the mid -range game. Cunningham has shown a ability to score effectively from there, and it could take his game to the next level.
Related Story. A family tradition with the Detroit Pistons follows Marvin Bagley III. light
Hayes will utilize him in similar fashion to Cunningham. However, Killian will look to use his gravity, sucking the defense in, to free up shooters. As defenses collapse in the paint, making the right read is what Killian does best.
It’s been a rough year from behind the arc for the Pistons, to say the least, shooting a putrid 31% as a team. Hayes is the prototypical pass-first point guard, and will get his teammates involved.
Hayes finding ways to get his own in these situations will be a testament to his growth. There’s been plenty of skepticism surrounding Killian, with a lob threat like Bagley lll, his potential could finally be unlocked.