How Monty Williams will make the Pistons a top-10 offense

Detroit Pistons: Monty Williams will lean on his young guards

Next to former number one pick Cade Cunningham will be last year’s All-Rookie selection Jaden Ivey. This young tandem is ready to compete and Williams will need them at their best. Both players have a unique skill set that separates them from the other. Cade is methodical and gets to his spots almost nonchalantly. Ivey on the other hand he’s simply electrifying with his explosive first step. The two make a interesting duo that fans can’t wait to get a glimpse of under Monty Williams.

Cade Cunningham’s IQ allows him to process the game quickly, making him an ideal fit for “read and react” action. The constant movement of the ball will free him up offensively. He’ll be able to attack off the catch exploiting close out defenders, scoring efficiently while adding to his assists total. Cade shot 48.2 percent from mid-range before being sidelined last season. Devin Booker for example shot 49.4 percent from mid-range, on over 300 attempts proving there’s plenty of room for that in Monty’s offense. Watch out this could bring a whole lot of problems for opposing teams, year three Cade is coming.

Another staple of Cade’s game is pick and roll basketball. Monty likes to run staggered screens with back picks involved in these sets. Cade’s a cerebral player, so he’ll thrive in this type of action, adding a different look than the high pick and roll fans saw before. The playbook will be wide open for the new found coaching staff and Cade will be an extension of them on the floor.

Ivey could benefit the most next season, Monty hasn’t had a player with his burst and court awareness on a roster until now. Ivey improved as a facilitator in his rookie season once the game slowed down for him. He’s lighting quick with an elite first step, coach Monty will want defenders to watch him on cuts. The opposition not knowing if Ivey is going to the ball or cutting back door opens a new dynamic to his game.

He’s a smart player, and making the right reads on and off the ball is the next step in his maturation process. Monty’s system is tailored for quick decision making, if Ivey sees daylight he’s at the rim. He’ll do damage catching the ball in scoring position, attacking quickly and drawing fouls. He’s poised to have a breakout second season and this system will help him achieve that goal.

The free flowing “point five” offense opens up scoring opportunities for all five players. This allows everyone to score more efficiently since everyone is a threat offensively. Cade and Ivey will both have the reins to operate and make things happen accordingly. Expect both guards to make significant leaps earning the trust of the new coaching staff. In a guard driven system having multiple ball handlers with high IQ’s will help this Pistons team thrive. Monty Williams will rely on his two young guards and they’ll be all in.