#3: Slow-starting veterans
I wasn’t expecting the young players on the Detroit Pistons to look the sharpest during preseason but so far, that has been the case.
I’ve seen all I need to from Cade and Ivey, who both look ready to make big leaps this season. Duren has been hit or miss depending on what you are watching, as he is still a step slow on defense but has been getting to the rim for lobs.
Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland II have been difference makers off the bench, so it’s really just been the veterans who are struggling.
Beasley, Fontecchio, Hardaway and Paul Reed are all shooting under 40 percent from the floor and in the cases of Reed and THJ, they are shooting under 30 percent overall.
These players all have plenty of positive history to fall back on and we can’t make too much of four games, but it’s something to watch as the season begins, as the Pistons need these role players to be good for them to have a chance.