Opening Week, Jaden Ivey's Knee, and Contract Extensions
This is the most hyped Pistons season since...when?
Happy NBA Opening Week Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. Yes, the NBA regular season is, at long last, about to grace our presences. Detroit figures to be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, but there are already some warts popping up. Let’s get into it.
Game Recaps
Preseason Game 3: Detroit 100, Cleveland 118
Rapid Reaction: The Pistons were without Cade Cunningham (warranted) and Jaden Ivey (more on that below), so the ball-handling left much to be desired. Detroit had eight turnovers in the first quarter and 15 in the first half, though they recovered after that. The biggest story here was Daniss Jenkins, who started and scored 19 points on just six shot attempts. The Pistons are going to need him early on in the season.
Preseason Game 4: Washington 98, Detroit 119
Rapid Reaction: Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the latter of whom had been nursing a hamstring injury and missed the first two preseason games, looked like a formidable duo. The two-man game was thriving and Duren was very efficient on the offensive side. Chaz Lanier and Jenkins were also solid off the bench, something that is likely to be tested early on.
Jaden Ivey Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
The Pistons will be without their presumed starting shooting guard, who is dealing with yet another injury. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Ivey underwent surgery to relieve right knee discomfort and will be reevaluated in four weeks.
Now that does not mean that he will be ready to roll right around Thanksgiving. In fact, I would imagine that Ivey will not be ready until early December given that he must once again ramp up to game speed. Its a big blow to both parties, but especially Ivey, who is seeking a contract extension with the team. Detroit’s bench will have much more responsibility early on in the season.
The Latest Palace of Pistons Podcast
Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia talked about Ivey’s injury, how it shapes the rotation, preseason standouts, and breaking down the first game against the Chicago Bulls.
Rookie Contract Extensions
Ivey and Duren are both due for rookie-scale contract extensions, but the status of those seems in flux. Jake Fischer of Marc Stein’s Substack reports that there is not interest from Detroit’s front office in getting deals done right now, likely to see what this upcoming season looks like. Ivey’s injury already puts a dent in things for him, but Duren seems like a surer bet to receive a lucrative extension. The young center really came around in the second half of last season and has established himself as one of the better centers in the NBA.
Now the Pistons could let both players go into restricted free agency next summer with the ability to match any offer from opposing teams. That runs a risk of other teams driving up the cost and daring the Pistons to match it.
Prediction Time
Is it really time for predictions? Yes, it is. Believe these at your own risk.
Tim Forkin, Palace of Pistons After Dark Host
Win Total: 55
The Season Ends…In the second round of the playoffs, behind top-five MVP candidate Cade Cunningham
The Biggest Riser is: Ausar Thompson, who jumps to a 20-plus point per game scorer
Dylan Edenfield, Contributor/Graphic Designer
Win Total: 48
The Season Ends…In the first round of the playoffs, barring a drastic mid-season trade
The Biggest Riser is: Ron Holland, who takes big leaps on both sides of the ball
Mike Anguilano, Palace of Pistons Podcast Host/Some Guy from Cleveland according to the YouTube comments
Win Total: 49
The Season Ends…In the second round of the playoffs
The Biggest Riser is: Ausar Thompson, who becomes nearly as indispensable as Cade Cunningham
What are your predictions for the Pistons this season? More wins? Less? I think more should be the expectation, especially given how weak the Eastern Conference is.
Regardless, the wait is over: its time for Deeeeeeeeeetroit basketball.
See you all next week.
Mike