The Detroit Pistons are off to a 6-1 start despite not having their starting center Jalen Duren for most of it, and they are doing it in ways that we didn’t see last season.
The Pistons’ defense hasn’t missed a beat even after losing Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart, and even though the offense has sputtered at times, there are early signs that the Pistons are better equipped to handle the postseason.
There are several early stats that stand out for Detroit, and if these hold up, they will be in good shape.
Duncan Robinson’s 2.0 steals per game
I don’t think Duncan Robinson will lead the Pistons in steals, but he is right now, which is a great sign for Detroit.
Robinson didn’t suddenly become a good defender, but as I wrote earlier, his positioning and anticipation have been noticeably better, which is leading to a lot of steals.
Robinson is off to a career-best start shooting the ball, and if he can be less of a defensive liability, it will be huge for the Pistons when the games slow down and teams repeatedly try to target him.
Ausar Thompson and Daniss Jenkins averaging nearly 10 assists per game
This one is huge, as it speaks to the fundamental question plaguing the Pistons, which is whether they have enough creation outside of Cade Cunningham to survive the postseason.
The returns have been promising so far, as Thompson is averaging five assists per game, which is the number I was hoping for when the season started. Daniss Jenkins is chipping in 4.4 per game, and most importantly, taking care of the ball while he does it.
Jenkins barely scored last night, but his seven assists were big, and he is learning when and how to pick his spots as a backup point guard.
The Pistons may still need another player that can get his own shot, but the early assist totals are indicative of a more balanced offense and less burden on Cade.
The Pistons are taking and making more 3-point shots
This was obviously a point of emphasis over the summer, and the results have been there so far even without new addition Isaiah Joe for most of it.
Detroit is taking over 37 attempts from long range per game, way up from last season when they averaged just over 30. They were 29th in both attempts and makes last season and are up to 17th and 10th in those categories this season, respectively.
Detroit is hitting 38 percent of them, which is 6th in the NBA, a category in which the Pistons finished in the bottom half of the league last season.
It’s still very early, but there are positive signs that the Pistons are more playoff proof than they were the last two years.
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