The Detroit Pistons were one of the best teams in the NBA last season, finishing as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the Pistons didn’t make a ton of flashy moves this summer, and if Cade Cunningham wants to take them to another level, he needs some teammates to step up. But the question is, which players are best suited to make a leap?
Jalen Duren still hasn’t re-signed with the Pistons. He’s still a restricted free agent, so he and the Pistons have some things to figure out. Guys like Ausar Thompson and Daniss Jenkins are young and have room to improve, too. Cunningham needs help on the offensive end. He needs some of his teammates to make jumps toward improvement next season, particularly on that side of the ball.
But who? Which players does Cunningham need to improve the most? Who is best suited to provide him with significant support as the Pistons attempt to compete for a title next season?
Pistons who can improve on offense to help Cade Cunningham
1. Daniss Jenkins
Maybe it’s not the first name you think of, but Jenkins may be best positioned to keep lifting Cunningham up on the offensive end. He took a big-time leap last season, and there’s no reason he can’t take another next year.
Jenkins was essential to the Pistons’ success last year. Even in the postseason, when Cunningham had some rough offensive games, Jenkins was able to step up and fill in the gaps.
So, as the Pistons embark on a new season next year, another leap from Jenkins could be very, very valuable. If he can keep improving as a scorer – especially from an efficiency standpoint – it would be crucial.
2. Ausar Thompson
Detroit needs creation help. Cunningham can’t be the only guy capable of leading the Pistons’ offense. That’s where Thompson could come into the picture.
Thompson isn’t the best offensive player. He’s not a shooter. But if he can turn himself into a guy the Pistons can trust to lead the offense, that would be huge.
Plus, if Thompson were able to run the offense with the ball in his hands, the Pistons wouldn’t have to worry too much about his three-point spacing.
3. Isaiah Joe
This one’s a bit out of left field. The Pistons just traded for Isaiah Joe this summer, and though he’s been primarily a three-point specialist up to this point in his career, he could be more.
Joe never got a ton of opportunities in Oklahoma City. He was stuck behind a bunch of talent on the Thunder, and they eventually traded him.
Detroit should put the ball in Joe’s hands a lot more this year. He can create, he can score, and he can definitely shoot. Joe could give the Pistons’ offense a major upgrade if he takes a leap.
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