How the Pistons can become next season’s Cavaliers
Step 2: The Detroit Pistons need growth from their young players
One of the biggest reasons the Cavaliers were able to improve so much this season is that they got growth from their young guys.
Darius Garland was already very good but has blossomed into an All-Star this season. Ditto for Jarrett Allen, who went from role player to All-Star after being traded to the Cavaliers.
Garland and Allen are pretty much the same age as Bey and Stewart, who both need to improve if the Pistons want to make a leap. Bey needs to develop a more-consistent go-to move on offense, while Stewart needs to improve his jump shot and get better in the pick-and-roll.
The Pistons will also need further development and consistency from Cade Cunningham, for Frank Jackson to get his shooting back on track and for Hamidou Diallo to carve out a consistent role.
Related Story. Why Portland is still the most likely trade destination for Jerami Grant. light
Step 3: The veterans need to mesh with the young players
Another reason Cleveland has made such improvement this season is that they’ve gotten more out of their veterans.
Kevin Love’s numbers are only marginally better than they were last season, but he has clearly bought-into what they’re building and has already played twice as many games as he did last year.
Before he was injured, veteran point guard Ricky Rubio was key for the Cavs and now they are hope to get similar leadership and production from Rajon Rondo.
If the Pistons don’t end up trading Jerami Grant or Kelly Olynyk in the offseason, they will need them to mesh with the young talent, find their roles and contribute without taking away from the youth, as Love and Rubio did this season for the Cavs.