The most exciting Pistons' addition was already on the roster

The Detroit Pistons have had a relatively quiet offseason, so the focus has been on what they haven’t done, but there are some exciting developments no one is talking about, including increased playing time for Paul Reed. 

The Pistons didn’t make the monster move this summer, so will need breakouts from some of their returning roster, including Reed, who is penciled in as the backup center next season depending on what happens with Jalen Duren.

The Pistons shipped off fan-favorite Isaiah Stewart, and Detroit will definitely miss his rim protection and toughness. 

But what they won’t miss is his offense, as Reed offers a far more dynamic option on that end, which could be a game-changer for the bench. 

Paul Reed puts up numbers 

Reed didn’t play much in the first series against Orlando, as Stewart was still effectively blocking shots off the bench. It looked like Stewart wasn’t 100 percent after his 8-block performance, so Reed took over a lot of his minutes in the following series against Cleveland. 

Reed averaged 11.4 points, five rebounds and an assist against the Cavs in the playoffs and did it in just 13 minutes per game on average. 

You can’t necessarily just extrapolate those numbers over increased minutes, but that’s better than Beef Stew averaged on the season, and he was playing over 22 minutes per game. 

Reed’s Per-36 numbers are incredible at over 20 points, 11 rebounds, 4.3 assists and over five combined stocks per-36 minutes. Obviously, Reed is not going to play anywhere near that, but it shows the kind of effect he has when he’s on the court. Stewart’s per-36 numbers last season were pedestrian in comparison. 

Reed averaged 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and just under a block and steal per game in the regular season in just under 14 minutes per game. Stewart’s offensive and rebounding output was nearly identical in eight more minutes per game. 

If Reed can keep out of foul trouble, he’s proven he can put up numbers, now he just has to prove he can do it consistently and not just as an energy guy in limited minutes off the bench. 

Paul Reed has a more dynamic offensive game 

Let’s face it, Stewart provided next to nothing on offense last season except screens. Yes, some of his defense led to transition buckets, but he made next to no impact in the half court. 

Even though he’s shown he can shoot, Stewart barely looked at the rim, and his post game was still hampered by fumbly hands and a lack of any sort of bag. 

Reed is not a high flyer, but he has a crafty bag around the rim and isn’t afraid to put it on the floor if teams sag off him, something Stewart rarely did.  PR is also a shifty passer who can slip a pass to a cutter, something Stewart rarely did.

Reed is also a better offensive rebounder than Stewart, as the two averaged the same number per game last season even though Reed wasn’t on the court as much. 

Reed’s 3-point shot is ugly as sin, but he’s at least not afraid to shoot it when it’s there, and I expect we’ll see more of it next season. 

The Pistons’ bench will have more a more versatile and exciting offensive option next season in Paul Reed, who is ready to show that he’s more than just a hustle guy. 

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