Detroit Pistons rant: Cade Cunningham, defense, refs and coaching

Detroit Pistons: Coach Casey saving Cade Cunningham for what?

Just like with the refs, coaches are often blamed for things that should be put on the players, so I am usually not one to complain about the coaching.

In fact, I find the constant moaning about Casey’s “rotations” to be mostly insufferable, as it’s not like he’s got a ton of talent to work with here.

But last night was not one of coach Casey’s best games. He was forced to pull Cade out with five fouls which makes sense, but instead of putting in a fully rested Jaden Ivey, he unleashed the Cory Joseph/Killian Hayes backcourt and it was game over.

He watched the lead get out of hand with his best player on the bench for WAY too long. What exactly are you saving him for at this point? I was starting to wonder if he could see the scoreboard. I would have rather seen Cade in there and trying to save the game and foul out than watch as the game slipped away while he was on the bench.

I have been a Casey defender most of the time, as I think he’s in a  tough situation being asked to guide a young team whose progress is not measured in wins and losses. But last night was pretty frustrating.

Cade played a team-high 33 minutes, but it should have been more. It may not have mattered anyway, but at least let your team go down with its best player (who happens to be having a career night) on the floor. You have to trust your guy in that situation, and if he fouls out, who cares? They were going to lose anyway.

Rant over.