The Pistons experienced an incredible turnaround last season by finally establishing a foundation for the team. After years of aimless wandering, coach JB Bickerstaff brought a solid defensive system and well-defined roles on offense that helped the young players excel. Heading into this season, the Pistons maintained the same core and coach so most expect them to do the same. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that they will actually switch things up and surprise a lot of teams.
The Pistons have added much more versatility
Seemingly every move that the Pistons made this offseason, as a team/front office and amongst individual players, has led to a more versatile team. New additions such as Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson bring more versatility than the relatively one-dimensional veterans from last season that they’re replacing. Meanwhile, young players have been working hard to add new elements to their game.
The theme of versatility was very evident on media day sprinkled among quotes from different players. Whether it’s Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart shooting more jumpers or Ausar Thompson handling the ball more, the Pistons are ready to throw out different looks than last season. And of course Caris LeVert has received plenty of praise for his ability to play different roles.
This transformation for the team will be their next evolution and help them avoid falling stagnant like some other feel-good teams have in recent seasons. Despite the Pistons success last season, it became obvious in the playoffs that the team still has a ways to go, and their offense is too reliant on one player taking the next step to being a true contender will involve throwing out different looks in different offenses, depending on the defensive coverage and particular situation.
If the Pistons are successful in this effort, it will be a testament to their players' adaptability and excellent coaching. It’s difficult to shift away from something when it’s working, but the team knows there’s another level to be reached. And it’s possible to reach this level without abandoning the principles that earned them their first playoff berth in years.
For example, the Pistons will still rely on a chaotic defense and a deadly fast break to kickstart offense. However, they’re hoping to have more options in the half court setting and have new ways of involving all their players.
For the rest of the league, it’ll be hard to keep up with yet another jump from the Pistons. Opposing coaches may look to the Knicks model of playoff success against Detroit, especially in terms of pressuring Cade Cunningham, but the Pistons will be ready with their own new counters. If all goes according to plan, the Pistons can win this game of metaphorical basketball chess.