After sitting on the bench gathering dust, while the Detroit Pistons showed more holes than swiss cheese on defense, it looks like Hamidou Diallo is back in the rotation. Will it last? Or is development more important?
The Detroit Pistons are not exactly awash in elite defensive players. Actually, outside of guard Killian Hayes, and the shot blocking of center Jalen Duren, they probably do not have anybody one could call ‘above average’ when it comes to defense.
Even those who might be fine as 1-on-1 defenders struggle with getting through picks, communicating with others and getting back in proper position on the fast break.
The statistics show the Pistons are next-to-last in team defensive rating (only Spurs are worse), as well the eye test. Anyone who has watched Detroit in action can tell they do not get stops when they need to.
Coach Dwane Casey’s stated goal of being a top 10 defense this year is, well, forget that.
What is odd is that Casey does have a top=notch defender on the team, but he has been gathering dust on the bench as of late: Hamidou Diallo.
Does it make sense? No. Looks at the record and the stats, the players being used are simply not getting the job done.