The Detroit Pistons’ offense sputtered in the playoffs last year, largely due to a lack of 3-point shooting and creation outside of Cade Cunningham.
The Pistons have addressed the first issue with the additions of John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince and Gary Harris, but did painfully little to address the second. In fact, considering they lost their number two scoring option from the playoffs (Tobias Harris) and the only player other than Cade who could get his own shot, the problem might actually be worse.
The Pistons may have more space, but still lack creation
I do think the improved spacing will have a knock-on effect on things like turnovers, as the Pistons guards found themselves dribbling into a packed lane more times than not last season.
There should be better lanes in which to operate, which will hopefully have a ripple effect on Cade Cunningham’s turnovers.
But if there is one thing we learned last season, it’s that this can’t all be on Cade, and the offseason additions, while all great shooters, are not guys who are going to do much with the ball in their hands.
Losing Tobias Harris may prove to be a bigger problem than Detroit might think, as he was at least a guy they could give the ball when they needed a shot created.
The Pistons will be counting on internal improvement again but will eventually have to look outside the current roster if things aren't going to plan.
The Pistons will have their answer by the trade deadline
Daniss Jenkins and Ausar Thompson are the two players the Pistons need to step up in the creation department.
Jenkins should be more confident after his showing last season, and he’s on an expiring deal that should have him extra motivated. Jenkins has to do a better job of taking care of the ball and setting up teammates. We know he can score himself, but he often ran into trouble with his own dribble penetration.
Same with Ausar Thompson, who has to tighten up his handles in a big way, as he was vulnerable to turnovers every time he got into traffic.
But it won’t just be these two, as Detroit will need a little more creation from everyone, especially Kevin Huerter who does have some dribble creation/passing in his bag.
If some combination of these three or someone else is not providing the results the Pistons need, then they can’t “wait and see” at this trade deadline, they have to go out and make a move.
Patience is warranted and required here, but it’s not infinite, as Cunningham’s prime won’t last forever, and the Pistons can’t afford to lose another postseason to an obvious deficiency.
Detroit has wiggle room to experiment with the group they have, but it that’s not cutting it, they will have to go outside for help at the trade deadline and there may be several targets who fit their need.
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