After an exciting draft and some unexpected trades, the Detroit Pistons will head into this year’s Summer League with two new pieces added to their young nucleus, and in search of more young talent as they look to take another step towards legitimacy.
Here are three things to look for in this year’s Detroit Pistons Summer League team, which plays its first game on July 7th.
Detroit Pistons: Playing at a faster pace
After selecting Jaden Ivey and acquiring Jalen Duren on draft day, the Pistons immediately took another step in the athleticism department for years to come.
Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes, and Saddiq Bey are all listed on the roster, but it’s likely they will play limited minutes. Ivey should command plenty of possessions as the sole ball handler in Summer League, with the opportunity to showcase his blazing speed that left scouts enamored by his time at Purdue.
This speed, coupled with Duren’s athleticism and willingness to run the floor, should keep the Pistons in an up-tempo, fastbreak-filled offense as they look to showcase their two new draftees.
Detroit’s future playing style will likely find its way onto the floor in Summer League, including the defensive mindset that Dwane Casey is looking to establish that could lead to an ample amount of fastbreak opportunities.
Last season, the Pistons ranked just outside of the top ten in pace amongst NBA teams. With Jaden Ivey, and energetic guards such as Charlie Moore and Saben Lee set to see minutes, Pistons summer league games should be filled with plenty of possessions.