The Detroit Pistons faced a setback on October 5, 2023, with a 117-111 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks during their preseason campaign. This marked the team’s second consecutive game without Jalen Duren, who was sidelined due to hamstring tightness, although the injury is not considered serious. Meanwhile, both Jaden Ivey and Tobias Harris rested, missing their first preseason game.
Cade Cunningham is ready for the regular season.
Through 38 minutes of preseason action, it is evident that Cade Cunningham is prepared to build on his impressive All-NBA performance from last season. He has demonstrated significant scoring ability, showcasing his talent from various positions on the court. Despite missing key players, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Bucks and Ja Morant for the Grizzlies, Cunningham has maintained his dominance in both matchups. His efficiency from beyond the arc has been particularly noteworthy, shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range, including impressive shots off the dribble.
In the game against Milwaukee, Cunningham displayed his skills with a stepback shot over Bobby Portis and another deep three-pointer from well beyond the arc, signaling his readiness to take on defensive challenges. “I want to shoot more 3s, the highest quality (of 3s) possible,” he remarked following the victory over Memphis. His confidence has translated into impressive statistics: 23 points on 64 percent shooting, alongside 5.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in the preseason thus far.
Cunningham’s performance has made a considerable impact, as he holds a combined plus-23 rating and has only missed one of his 11 free-throw attempts. His ability to maintain consistency has established a rhythm that could be vital for the Pistons moving forward.
Exploring Ausar Thompson’s Role
The Pistons are actively developing Ausar Thompson as a primary offensive initiator, a shift from his previous role as primarily a transition ball handler. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized the importance of allowing Thompson to take control of the offense during the preseason, stating, “The tempo that Ausar plays at when he has the ball in his hands changes the way that teams have to guard him.” This shift aims to enhance Thompson’s ability to create opportunities, not just for himself but for his teammates as well.
Thompson’s explosiveness is reflected in his performances, highlighted by a right-to-left crossover against Ryan Rollins and physical plays against Jericho Sims. Although he has averaged 8.0 points on 41.6 percent shooting in the preseason, his contributions extend beyond statistics. His development as a playmaker could alleviate some pressure off Cunningham, allowing for more fluid offensive strategies.
Bickerstaff noted that Thompson’s ability to draw defensive attention can create advantageous situations for Cunningham. “Now his defender has to play off a screen or off a shift, and it just makes him a better offensive player when people can’t get their hands on him,” Bickerstaff explained.
Defensive Strategies and Player Development
In addition to offensive exploration, Bickerstaff has expressed interest in utilizing zone defenses this season, taking advantage of the team’s length. During the recent game, the Pistons experimented with a 1-3-1 matchup zone, though this tactic allowed the Bucks to capitalize with 18 successful three-point attempts. Bickerstaff acknowledged the need for further implementation of zone strategies, stating, “We have found some zones that we like. It comes down to the time to implement them.”
Another player attracting attention is Isaiah Stewart, who is keen to return to his three-point shooting form. After a season where he took only 53 attempts, Stewart has made a strong start in the preseason, shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Averaging 10 points on 61.5 percent shooting in 17.5 minutes per game, his willingness to stretch the floor could add another dimension to the Pistons’ offense.
As the Pistons continue their preseason schedule, their focus on player development and adjusting strategies will be critical for success in the upcoming regular season. With players like Cunningham, Thompson, and Stewart stepping into crucial roles, the Pistons are laying the groundwork for a competitive season ahead.
