Meet the 2018-19 Detroit Pistons
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Go through the gallery for player-by-player analysis on the 2018-19 Pistons, by Rod Beard of The Detroit News.
Go through the gallery for player-by-player analysis on the 2018-19 Pistons, by Rod Beard of The Detroit News. Carlos Osorio, AP
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GUARDS
GUARDS Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
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Reggie Jackson: Age: 28. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 208. 2017-18 stats: 14.6 ppg, 5.3 apg, 31% 3FG. Analysis: Jackson is coming off a summer of ankle rest and rehab, and staying healthy is critical for the Pistons’ success. He’s looked fine in the preseason, but the goal should be to have him healthy for at least 65 games. Anything less jeopardizes their success.
Reggie Jackson: Age: 28. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 208. 2017-18 stats: 14.6 ppg, 5.3 apg, 31% 3FG. Analysis: Jackson is coming off a summer of ankle rest and rehab, and staying healthy is critical for the Pistons’ success. He’s looked fine in the preseason, but the goal should be to have him healthy for at least 65 games. Anything less jeopardizes their success. Carlos Osorio, AP
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Reggie Bullock: Age: 27. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 205. 2017-18 stats: 11.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 45% 3FG. Analysis: He ranked second in the NBA in 3-point shooting and is strong on both ends of the court. He’s a highly underrated contributor, and playing for his next contract is ample motivation for him to have another big year.
Reggie Bullock: Age: 27. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 205. 2017-18 stats: 11.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 45% 3FG. Analysis: He ranked second in the NBA in 3-point shooting and is strong on both ends of the court. He’s a highly underrated contributor, and playing for his next contract is ample motivation for him to have another big year. Darren Abate, AP
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Ish Smith: Age: 30. Ht: 6-0. Wt: 175. 2017-18 stats: 10.9 ppg, 4.4 apg, 35% 3FG. Analysis: He started 35 games last season and notched career highs in 3-pointers (35 percent) and field-goal percentage (49 percent). Dwane Casey has said Smith will lead the second unit, even if Jackson gets injured again, a departure from previous seasons.
Ish Smith: Age: 30. Ht: 6-0. Wt: 175. 2017-18 stats: 10.9 ppg, 4.4 apg, 35% 3FG. Analysis: He started 35 games last season and notched career highs in 3-pointers (35 percent) and field-goal percentage (49 percent). Dwane Casey has said Smith will lead the second unit, even if Jackson gets injured again, a departure from previous seasons. Carlos Osorio, AP
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Luke Kennard: Age: 22. Ht: 6-6. Wt: 206. 2017-18 stats: 7.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 42% 3FG. Analysis: After a solid rookie season, Kennard likely will get a larger role in the rotation as a scorer and ball-handler in the second unit. He’ll have to adjust his offense to fit Casey’s desired shot selection, but he’ll get more comfortable as the season progresses.
Luke Kennard: Age: 22. Ht: 6-6. Wt: 206. 2017-18 stats: 7.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 42% 3FG. Analysis: After a solid rookie season, Kennard likely will get a larger role in the rotation as a scorer and ball-handler in the second unit. He’ll have to adjust his offense to fit Casey’s desired shot selection, but he’ll get more comfortable as the season progresses. Carlos Osorio, AP
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Jose Calderon: Age: 37. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 200. 2017-18 stats: 4.5 ppg, 2.1 apg, 46% 3FG (Cavaliers). Analysis: In his second stint with the Pistons, Calderon is a savvy guard who is mainly an insurance policy in case Jackson is injured again. He’ll be a veteran presence and will be a good mentor for some of the younger players.
Jose Calderon: Age: 37. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 200. 2017-18 stats: 4.5 ppg, 2.1 apg, 46% 3FG (Cavaliers). Analysis: In his second stint with the Pistons, Calderon is a savvy guard who is mainly an insurance policy in case Jackson is injured again. He’ll be a veteran presence and will be a good mentor for some of the younger players. Sue Ogrocki, AP
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Bruce Brown: Age: 22. Ht: 6-5. Wt: 202. 2017-18 stats: 11.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 27% 3FG (University of Miami). Analysis: The rookie second-round pick showed in Summer League and preseason that he’s ready for the NBA defensively, though he’ll need more work on the offensive end. He’s lanky and steady and could play some this year.
Bruce Brown: Age: 22. Ht: 6-5. Wt: 202. 2017-18 stats: 11.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 27% 3FG (University of Miami). Analysis: The rookie second-round pick showed in Summer League and preseason that he’s ready for the NBA defensively, though he’ll need more work on the offensive end. He’s lanky and steady and could play some this year. Carlos Osorio, AP
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Khryi Thomas: Age: 22. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 210. 2017-18 stats: 15.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 41% 3FG (Creighton). Analysis: He played well in Summer League but hasn’t gotten much playing time in the preseason. Thomas likely will spend some time with the Grand Rapids Drive to get more comfortable but his defense is growing.
Khryi Thomas: Age: 22. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 210. 2017-18 stats: 15.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 41% 3FG (Creighton). Analysis: He played well in Summer League but hasn’t gotten much playing time in the preseason. Thomas likely will spend some time with the Grand Rapids Drive to get more comfortable but his defense is growing. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
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Langston Galloway: Age: 26. Ht: 6-2. Wt: 200. 2017-18 stats: 6.2 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 34% 3FG. Analysis: He fell out of the rotation last season but is looking to have a renaissance in Casey’s offense, as a versatile piece in smaller lineups. He’s focusing on defense, which will earn him more minutes, and he has looked much better in the preseason.
Langston Galloway: Age: 26. Ht: 6-2. Wt: 200. 2017-18 stats: 6.2 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 34% 3FG. Analysis: He fell out of the rotation last season but is looking to have a renaissance in Casey’s offense, as a versatile piece in smaller lineups. He’s focusing on defense, which will earn him more minutes, and he has looked much better in the preseason. Carlos Osorio, AP
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Keenan Evans: Age: 22. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 190. 2017-18 stats: 17.6 ppg, 3.2 apg, 32% 3FG (Texas Tech). Analysis: He’s one of the Pistons’ two-way contracts with the Grand Rapids Drive and likely won’t see much time with the big club. But he has good size and skills to be a point guard to watch as he gets more experience.
Keenan Evans: Age: 22. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 190. 2017-18 stats: 17.6 ppg, 3.2 apg, 32% 3FG (Texas Tech). Analysis: He’s one of the Pistons’ two-way contracts with the Grand Rapids Drive and likely won’t see much time with the big club. But he has good size and skills to be a point guard to watch as he gets more experience. Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
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FORWARDS
FORWARDS Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
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Blake Griffin: Age: 29. Ht: 6-10. Wt: 251. 2017-18 stats: 21.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 5.8 apg, 35% 3FG. Analysis: After joining the Pistons at the trade deadline, Griffin became the hub of their offense and will be more so this season. He’s dynamic and how he teams with Andre Drummond in the frontcourt could determine the Pistons’ trajectory.
Blake Griffin: Age: 29. Ht: 6-10. Wt: 251. 2017-18 stats: 21.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 5.8 apg, 35% 3FG. Analysis: After joining the Pistons at the trade deadline, Griffin became the hub of their offense and will be more so this season. He’s dynamic and how he teams with Andre Drummond in the frontcourt could determine the Pistons’ trajectory. Carlos Osorio, AP
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Stanley Johnson: Age: 22. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 245. 2017-18 stats: 8.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 29% 3FG. Analysis: Although he’s the team’s best defender, his offense will need to improve in what could be a make-or-break season. A good target is 33-35 percent on 3-pointers, but just getting more comfortable in the offense is a good first step.
Stanley Johnson: Age: 22. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 245. 2017-18 stats: 8.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 29% 3FG. Analysis: Although he’s the team’s best defender, his offense will need to improve in what could be a make-or-break season. A good target is 33-35 percent on 3-pointers, but just getting more comfortable in the offense is a good first step. Carlos Osorio, AP
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Glenn Robinson III: Age: 24. Ht: 6-6. Wt: 222. 2017-18 stats: 4.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 38% 3FG (Pacers). Analysis: A foot injury last season slowed him down, but he’s stronger and will provide athletic wing depth and even challenge Johnson for the starting job. His 3-point shooting and off-ball skills are a big addition and will be an asset.
Glenn Robinson III: Age: 24. Ht: 6-6. Wt: 222. 2017-18 stats: 4.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 38% 3FG (Pacers). Analysis: A foot injury last season slowed him down, but he’s stronger and will provide athletic wing depth and even challenge Johnson for the starting job. His 3-point shooting and off-ball skills are a big addition and will be an asset. Sue Ogrocki, AP
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Jon Leuer: Age: 29. Ht: 6-10. Wt: 228. 2017-18 stats: 5.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg. Analysis: A foot injury sidelined him for all but eight games last season but he could be an integral part of the frontcourt rotation. He’s still increasing his workload after a summer of rehab, but he’ll look to get back on track and will challenge for a significant reserve role.
Jon Leuer: Age: 29. Ht: 6-10. Wt: 228. 2017-18 stats: 5.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg. Analysis: A foot injury sidelined him for all but eight games last season but he could be an integral part of the frontcourt rotation. He’s still increasing his workload after a summer of rehab, but he’ll look to get back on track and will challenge for a significant reserve role. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
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Henry Ellenson: Age: 21. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 245. 2017-18 stats: 4.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 33% 3FG. Analysis: Ellenson hasn’t had much opportunity to contribute, but Casey will look to give him a bigger chance than he’s had in his first two years. Defense still needs to be improved and offensively he’s yet to find a good rhythm.
Henry Ellenson: Age: 21. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 245. 2017-18 stats: 4.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 33% 3FG. Analysis: Ellenson hasn’t had much opportunity to contribute, but Casey will look to give him a bigger chance than he’s had in his first two years. Defense still needs to be improved and offensively he’s yet to find a good rhythm. Darren Abate, AP
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Zach Lofton: Age: 25. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 180. 2017-18 stats: 20.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 38% 3FG (New Mexico State). Analysis: He’s on a two-way deal and could get a promotion if he continues to play like he did in Summer League and in the preseason, showing an ability to get points.
Zach Lofton: Age: 25. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 180. 2017-18 stats: 20.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 38% 3FG (New Mexico State). Analysis: He’s on a two-way deal and could get a promotion if he continues to play like he did in Summer League and in the preseason, showing an ability to get points. Carlos Osorio, AP
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CENTERS
CENTERS Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
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Andre Drummond: Age: 25. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 280. 2017-18 stats: 15 ppg, 16 rpg, 3.0 apg. Analysis: He drew attention for his work on his 3-point shot this summer, but he also improved his free throws to 61 percent and is getting more efficient in the post. He’s in line for another All-Star season and could be Detroit’s most important player.
Andre Drummond: Age: 25. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 280. 2017-18 stats: 15 ppg, 16 rpg, 3.0 apg. Analysis: He drew attention for his work on his 3-point shot this summer, but he also improved his free throws to 61 percent and is getting more efficient in the post. He’s in line for another All-Star season and could be Detroit’s most important player. Carlos Osorio, AP
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Zaza Pachulia: Age: 34. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 270. 2017-18 stats: 5.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg (Warriors). Analysis: Pachulia was brought in as a cheaper option than Eric Moreland and will fill the same role, as backup center. His experience in winning two championships is valuable, but his strength and steady play in the paint is also a boost.
Zaza Pachulia: Age: 34. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 270. 2017-18 stats: 5.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg (Warriors). Analysis: Pachulia was brought in as a cheaper option than Eric Moreland and will fill the same role, as backup center. His experience in winning two championships is valuable, but his strength and steady play in the paint is also a boost. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
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    It's Opening Night for the Pistons.

    But you wouldn't be able to tell by checking out the secondary ticket market, where get-in prices to Little Caesars Arena actually are cheaper than parking passes.

    As of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, less than six hours before the Pistons and Brooklyn Nets were to play the season opener, you could still purchased multiple tickets right next to each other for less than $15 apiece.

    Hundreds of tickets still were available for less than $20.

    In other words, get ready to see a whole lot of black seat covers on the TV.

    Meanwhile, the cheapest parking pass available was about $18, and there only were a handful at that price. After that, it jumped to $30.

    The Pistons aren't in full-rebuild mode like their LCA co-tenant, the Red Wings, but experts don't expect the moon, either, under first-year coach Dwane Casey.

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    Five things the Pistons need to reach the playoffs

     

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