2019-2020 Season Review: Svi Mykhailiuk Continues To Show Improvement
After not getting much playing time as a rookie in the 2018-19 NBA season, Detroit Pistons wing Svi Mykhailiuk found himself as an every day rotational player during the 2019-20 season. In 42 total games as a rookie, Mykhailiuk averaged only 3.2 points on inefficient 32.9/32.6/60 shooting splits in 10.5 minutes a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Pistons. However, Mykhailiuk proved himself worthy of playing time with his play during the 2019 Summer League.
https://twitter.com/PalaceOfPistons/status/1150210834787966983
During Summer League, Mykhailiuk showed that he is more than just a spot-up shooter, proving that he could make his own shots and make plays for his teammates. His play in Summer League proved enough to head coach Dwane Casey, as he would unleash Svi, giving him 22.6 minutes per night. In those 22.6 minutes per night, Mykhailiuk was able to average nine points and 1.9 assists per game on 41/40.4/81.4 shooting splits.
Mykhailiuk’s true abilities showed in the new year when the Pistons’ rebuild was imminent. In the new year, Svi averaged 11.8 points, including a career-high 25 point performance against the Atlanta Hawks.
https://twitter.com/FOXSportsDet/status/1218729251136057344
Mykhailiuk’s improved play earned him a spot in the All-Star Weekend Rising Stars game, where he played for Team World, alongside upcoming stars Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Deandre Ayton.
Although Mykhailiuk may not have the star-power and potential of guys like Doncic and SGA, he has the tools and intangibles to become a quality role player and shooting specialist in the NBA. From what Svi showed me this year, I would be putting his ceiling as a poor-man’s Klay Thompson and his floor as JJ Redick. He has proven that he belongs in the NBA, which is not always an easy feat for second-round picks. But he seized the opportunity he was presented this season and shined.
If Mykhailiuk continues to improve in his third season, I see no reason as to why he should not be a part of Detroit’s rebuild for the future. There will always be a need for a sharpshooting wing, and if his playmaking and finishing continue to improve, then Mykhailiuk will make quite a lot of money throughout his career.