Good stat/bad stat for the Detroit Pistons to start the season

The Detroit Pistons have gotten off to a 2-4 start through the first six games of the season and there has been plenty to be excited about.

But Detroit has effectively balanced the good with the bad and hasn’t been helped by copious injuries and a tough schedule that has already featured two back-to-backs.

Excuses aside, we’ve seen enough of this team already to think the future is bright, but there are some clear problems as well, which you would expect from a young team that is missing four key veterans from the rotation.

The best news is that there is plenty of season, the Detroit Pistons will eventually get healthy and there will be positives to build on when they do.

Good stat/bad stat for the Detroit Pistons to start the season

Good stat: Offensive rebounding

The Pistons are currently 3rd in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game, averaging 13.7 per contest so far. Both Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson are averaging 4.2 per game, which is tied for 3rd in the league. 

This is important for a team that has struggled in the half court, as their second-chance putbacks and extra possessions offset some of the poor shooting.

Bad stat: Defensive rebounding

To me this is far more important, as defensive rebounds close out possessions and allow the Detroit Pistons to run. They are good in transition but need to get more opportunities by finishing their defense with rebounds. The Pistons are just 15th in the league in defensive rebounding. If they can get that number up, it will improve their defensive efficiency overall (14th in the NBA) and get them more opportunities in transition and fast breaks.