What we can expect from the Pistons Game on 10/4/22
Each team will have certain objects other than winning in their first preseason game. The primary focus will be on integrating new players and developing team chemistry. The Knicks have brought in Jalen Brunson to run the team and Isaiah Hartenstein as a change of pace center. New York’s goal in these games will be to move away from ISO and into a more movement oriented offense. This is Evan Founier’s game, so he should be able to play effectively off Jalen Brunson. For RJ Barrett and Julius Randdle, who initiated their offense once the rock was in their hands, it will be a more challenging transition. Thibs should probably have them run a lot of set plays to help these two players become comfortable with movement. Although Mitch will start at center, it would not be surprising to see Hartenstein get a lot of time with the starters. He is a better match fit for a Brunson run offense, and this group’s poor defense will keep Mitch in foul trouble.
The Pistons have added another two early picks in Jaden Ivey (5) and Jalen Duren (13). Troy Weaver also added sharpshooters 33 year old Bogdan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, 31, rookies Andrew Nembhard and Buddy Boeheim, along with Nerlens Noel. Unlike the Knicks, predicting Detroits starting lineup is problematic. From a defensive point of view, Jalen Duren starts at center and Isaiah Stewart moves to PF. Saddiq Bey and Cade Cunninham are givens at SF and PG, with Ivey as the fifth starter and only weak defender. This group’s major weakness is outside shooting. Bey averaged .361 on 7 3pt FGAs over his first two years. Jaden Ivey made about 36% on 5+ attempts last year. A solid stroke from deep will assure that he starts.
Of interest to Knick fans will be the smoothness of the offense v Detroits strong D. On defense, it would be encouraging to see Jules shut down his opposite number, Stewart or Marvin BagleyIII, and RJ do the same to Saddiq Bey. These are not excellent offensive players.
When the subs face off, the Knicks should be the stronger defensive unit with the Pistons having the scoring edge. Look for now healthy Isaiah Livers and Killian Hayes to have an impact Tuesday night and throughout the season. The uber athletic Hamidou Diallo, on the other hand, just doesn’t have the BB IQ to make use of his skills.
Detroit hired Troy Weaver and may rise from 15th to 10th this year. The Knicks are fortunate to play the young and talented Pistons only once in the second half of the season. Under Weaver’s leadership, there has been a culture and identity established that is the backbone of every successful organization. There is now a plan and a profile that combine to make the Detroit Pistons a respected organization for years to come.
“We draft people, not players,” Weaver said. “We want to bring the right people in, guys who put the team and other things before themselves. We don’t have a group of guys who are selfish, only thinking, ‘Me, me, me.’ It’s easy for that group of guys to organically grow.”
James Dolan, please take note.