Detroit Pistons: Don’t underestimate the veterans

Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey should be handling the ball for the first unit, and they should be running a fair amount of high pick-and-roll with Jalen Duren. Duren’s athleticism and hustle should create great opportunities to roll to the basket or anticipate rebounds.

The absence of perimeter shooting inhibited the Detroit Pistons’ ability to run the pick-and-roll in past seasons. Bogdanovic, Harris, and Burks should create opportunities for other players to work within space.

Defenders will need to respect these three veterans. They can read plays, anticipate rotations, and catch and shoot when the ball moves.

Ivey, Cunningham, and Duren should all benefit greatly from this space.

Ivey’s ability to change speed will allow him to capitalize on driving lanes. Increased perimeter shooting will create more opportunities for Duren to rebound, and the increased space in the paint should create lob opportunities.

As Cunningham hunts his own shot, he can pitch the ball out if the shot isn’t there. He can collapse the defense and create opportunities for teammates who can make shots.

With the additions of these veteran players, the Detroit Pistons’ offense should be stabilized, improved, and versatile. I’m looking forward to another exciting season of Detroit Basketball.