The Pistons have looked horrible in their season opener against the Bulls so far. After the first quarter of play, Detroit trails 35-19 and has had no momentum on offense at all. Uncharacteristic poor shooting is definitely a factor but these first 12 minutes point to bigger problems that need to be fixed.
The Pistons need more shooting
The Pistons made just one three in the first quarter and it came from an unlikely source - Paul Reed. They have not taken many in general, as they are at just 4 attempts total from beyond the arc. The lack of outside shotmaking and even attempts has led to a crowded interior, which makes it even harder to score.
All-Star Cade Cunningham has also started the game extremely cold, and he's just 2/6 so far. He's even missed some easy looks inside the arc, and is far from the dominant player that fans were expecting based on the preseason. Cade does have 4 assists, but he desperately needs to do more and force the issue with his own scoring to revive the Pistons offense.
The Pistons have been particularly awful taking care of the ball, giving up both steals and blocks. The Bulls have 4 of both and have used those opportunities to ignite their fastbreak attack. The Pistons expected to use transition play as a major advantage this season, but have gotten a taste of their own medicine so far.
Offense won't come easy for the Pistons to start the season. Jaden Ivey's injury sidelined their second best scorer and creator, who can boost the offense with and without Cade. Ivey's versatile scoring can open up the floor for Cade, and also help run the show when Cade sits.
Additionally, the Pistons are missing another offensive sparkplug in Marcus Sasser. Sasser isn't always a terrific playmaker for his teammates, but is very capable of calling his own number in isolation when the offense bogs down. In a stretch like the first quarter, his tough shotmaking could turn the entire tide of the game.
The Pistons need to find ways to withstand this storm of injury. Offensive support has to come from all over the floor, whether it's Cade stepping up to another level or other players taking on new roles. So far, the Pistons' newest veterans additions in Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert have not had much of an impact, but they still have the opportunity to help settle the offense.
Pistons fans expected a lot better of a start from their team. The offense looks horrid to start this game, and is giving fans flashbacks of the Pistons' lowest points from a couple seasons ago. If the team wants to achieve their ambitions for this season, they desperately need to turn it around.