Detroit Pistons training camp preview: 1 question for each starter

Detroit Pistons training camp: 1 question for each starter

Jaden Ivey

Can Ivey hit enough 3-point shots to keep defenses honest?

Jaden Ivey has the chance to be the ideal modern guard in the NBA, as he is very good at the rim and can also hit 3-point shots.

Ivey has the speed to blow by defenders and be a force in transition, so he will get a lot of shots at the rim, but when it comes to the half court, he needs to be able to play off the ball as well because Cade Cunningham is going to have the ball a lot of the time.

If Ivey can hit enough catch-and-shoot 3’s when Cade creates an opening, defenders will have to close out strongly, which is going to open up even more drives to the rim. Ivey has Russell Westbrook type athleticism, so if he can be a decent 3-point shooter, he’s going to be extremely difficult to stop.

Cade Cunningham

What does year two look like?

This is really a bunch of questions, but Cunningham is currently the most important Piston, so it’s not hyperbole to say that the direction of the franchise will be determined by the answers.

How will extra muscle help Cade? Can he be more efficient? Will he shoot fewer 3-point shots next season? What has he added to his game? Will he focus on mid-range and paint shots? Is Cade Cunningham an All-Star in year two?

Cunningham is the most popular player on the Pistons and most of the eyes will be on him when training camp tips off next week, when we’ll start getting some answers.