Detroit Pistons: Player grades at the All-Star break

Detroit Pistons: Player grades at the All-Star break

Cory Joseph – C-

Joseph gets lost in Detroit’s crowded backcourt. Cunningham is the star in waiting. Ivey, a rookie, needs to have the ball in his hands most so we can see who he is. Burks has been crucial to the team at different points this season. Hayes is trying to shake bust status and prove that he belongs. And there again is Joseph, quietly getting his 15 minutes and trying to be a reliable veteran presence. He has shot poorly in what has arguably been the worst season of his career, but he’s been an afterthought anyway. No need to throw him under the bus entirely.

Marvin Bagley III – D+

To an extent, Marvin Bagley III is underrated. He’s seen as a bust because of how high he was drafted, and who he was drafted in front of. He is 23-years-old and a legit, big man offensively. He has struggled with injuries and never been able to really cement a spot in any rotation since his rookie season. While he is young, it would seem he has limited upside without having the 3-ball in his repertoire. Even so, he bangs in the post, rebounds, and gets some easy baskets when they’re needed. Given all the adversity, the criticism of his contract, etc – he has still had a small impact in his relatively short time in Detroit. But MBIII wasn’t playing particularly well before his injury and has given the Pistons nothing since. Injuries aren’t his fault, but being on the court is a requirement to being a productive player and Bagley III has been unable to stay healthy.