Detroit Pistons: Grading Dwane Casey’s player development
2021-22
Isaiah Livers: Incomplete
It’s hard to grade this one, as Livers was injured too much to really judge if he improved. His numbers didn’t, but I put that more in the injuries than on Dwane Casey. Considering he was a second-round pick, the fact that he played at all is a positive and his trajectory still points upwards if he can stay on the court.
Cade Cunningham: A-
Even though he only played one full season under Casey, Cade Cunningham improved noticeably in a few areas. Cunningham improved his decision-making, reduced his turnovers, and stopped trying to launch so many 3-point shots, instead focusing on the mid-range, where he is deadly. All signs pointed towards him having a breakout season before he was injured. Cunningham is the most talented young player Casey coached and I am sure he wishes he’d gotten another season to help him progress.
2022-23
Jalen Duren: A
Funny how the highest grades end up going to the most talented players. It’s almost as if they are adults who shouldn’t need a coach to baby them or teach them the basics of basketball when playing professionally in the best league on the planet. Funny that.
But Duren was the league’s youngest player this season and not expected to contribute much. Instead, he emerged as their best big man and improved all season. He’s likely to end up on the All-Rookie team and coach Casey helped him get there.
Jaden Ivey: A
I’d argue that Ivey improved more than any rookie not named Jalen Williams this season. He just kept getting better, improving his shot selection, his efficiency and even progressed some on defense.
Casey deserves credit for rolling with the rookie all season, boosting his confidence and working with him in the film room to help him improve.
As you can see, Dwane Casey’s time with the Detroit Pistons was up and down in terms of player development, but he did get the most out of several role players and did well when he had real talent to work with.