Pistons news: The abyss, injury games and tough questions

Tough questions for the Detroit Pistons that don’t have easy answers

Should Cade Cunningham play more off the ball?

The Pistons did have some success getting Cade the ball in better spots last night early on, though by the end they had resorted to him dribbling around a lot while the other guys stood around.

It’s worth exploring if Cunningham would have an easier time if he wasn’t constantly asked to do everything on offense. It’s time to start him with Ivey and let them play through their mistakes. Ivey bounced back last night after a tough start and had a very good second half. He was able to get to the rim at times and can be the guy who gets Cade some better looks.

Killian Hayes has been starting and playing more than Ivey because of his defense and the fact that he doesn’t turn the ball over much. But that’s partly because no one bothers to guard him, and there is really no reason to. Teams are happy to let him shoot from wherever he wants and it shows in the spacing.

That’s why it’s laughable that some fans are comparing Cade’s shooting percentages to Killian’s, as Cunningham is not only shooting way more, but doing it draped in four defenders while the majority of Hayes’ shots are wide open. Context does matter here.

Monty Williams has to do something to breathe some life into this offense, as right now they are the easiest team in the NBA to stop in the half-court and their best offensive play is Ausar Thompson getting a rebound and taking it all the way himself.

Is Monty Williams going to make it?

Welcome to being the coach of the Detroit Pistons! Man, a few times last night I’m sure I saw a look flash across Monty’s face that screamed, “what have I done?!?” I think Williams has done a very good job in some areas and the overall vibe around the team is good. I am not an any way suggesting Williams should be fired or anything like that, but I am more concerned he’ll tap out himself.

This is a guy who was lured out of retirement with a massive contract that was too big for any logical person to turn down. I’m not a body language expert or anything, but last night was the first time it looked like Monty was questioning whether all that money was worth it.

I do think he’s the coach to turn this around, but I also fear for the man’s health.

Your Detroit Pistons everyone!