Detroit Pistons: 4 surprising numbers from Summer League so far

Detroit Pistons Summer League: 4 surprising numbers

6.8 and 3.3

Out of the players not projected to be in the rotation, I think Braxton Key has been the best so far.

He has done a little bit of everything, defending all over the court, making plays on offense with his passing in transition, blocking shots, swiping steals and doing all of the little things you need out of a glue guy.

He is second on the Pistons with 6.8 rebounds per game in the Summer League and has shown the ability to grab a rebound and go with it, which you love to see out of a forward.

On the flip side, you have center Jalen Duren, who is a dominant physical presence who was usually the biggest and most athletic guy on the floor in Summer League.

He averaged just 3.3 rebounds per game, something he is going to have to improve as a young player. Not only is his technique terrible (he doesn’t box out…ever) but he doesn’t pursue the ball with the type of motor and urgency you need in the NBA.

He showed that motor on the offensive end, but when it comes to defensive boards he is often caught flat-footed.

Key has been impressive at times doing the little things, while Duren was more impressive with loud dunks and blocks but needs to focus more on the nuance of rebounding and defense, which you would absolutely expect from a guy who could be a high-school senior.