Pistons Preseason Roundup and NBA GM Survey Findings | The Weekly Drive
The Pistons played three more preseason games and the NBA GM Survey speaks highly of Detroit's young core and coaching change.
Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. Detroit had three more preseason games and the NBA GM survey favors Cade Cunningham. Let’s get into it.
Preseason Roundup
October 8th: Phoenix Suns 105, Detroit Pistons 97
Quick Take: It was a little memento of last season for the Pistons, who had a poor shooting night and turned the ball over 20 times. Cunningham was not efficient shooting the basketball (1-6), but the fourth-year guard had eight assists and only turned the ball over once. Jaden Ivey continued his hot preseason, scoring 16 points on 6-14 shooting.
October 11th: Detroit Pistons 109, Phoenix Suns 91
Quick Take: Round two against the Suns was different, as the Pistons flipped the shooting script. Tobias Harris made his debut and finished with 22 points on 8-13 shooting, showcasing the exact reasons why Detroit signed him in the offseason. Cunningham rebounded as well, scoring 25 points on 10-16 shooting and nearing a triple-double with 12 rebounds and nine assists. Ivey once again shot better than 50% from the floor.
October 13th: Detroit Pistons 93, Golden State Warriors 111
Quick Take: Harris also showed by the Philadelphia 76ers were ready to move on from him, the double-edged sword he is. The veteran forward had six points on 3-9 shooting but did have three blocks and two steals. Ivey led the team with 19 points on 7-10 shooting. For the second game in a row, Ron Holland was fairly quiet as the Pistons struggled on offense - especially when Cunningham hit the bench. But the defense from Detroit was troubling too, as the Warriors looked free-flowing out there even without Steph Curry or Draymond Green.
The Pistons have another preseason game Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Breakout Season for Cade Cunningham?
Every year, all of the general managers in the NBA conduct a survey asking for their opinions on players, teams, and the state of the league as a whole. One of those questions asks which player they think will have a breakout season. The results are as follows:
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City – 13%
Evan Mobley, Cleveland – 10%
Ja Morant, Memphis – 10%
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 10%
Paolo Banchero, Orlando – 7%
Cade Cunningham, Detroit – 7%
Brandon Miller, Charlotte – 7%
Ausar Thompson was also an honorable mention on the list, along with a slew of other young players. The Pistons also received a vote for the “most improved” team category, with the Memphis Grizzlies being the winner with 67%. Ron Holland also received consideration for some of the rookie categories. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was named as a coach who will make the biggest impact on his new team, tied for second with - you guessed it - Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson.
You can see the entire GM survey here.
As the Pistons wrap up the preseason, ensure you’re tuned in to the podcast as we will continue covering everything leading up to Opening Night. What have you noticed from the Pistons in the preseason so far? Anything you want to see more of, or talk about on the podcast? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
Mike