The Detroit Pistons are facing challenges as they seek to bounce back from their season opener against the Chicago Bulls. Although the game ended with a narrow score, the team struggled throughout. A significant contributor to their lack of performance was Duncan Robinson’s inability to replicate the productivity previously offered by Malik Beasley, particularly in three-point shooting.
Pistons Struggle Without Key Contributions
Throughout the game, the Pistons failed to effectively space the floor or convert enough shots from beyond the arc. Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. had excelled in these areas last season, and Robinson’s performance fell short during the opener. Despite logging 32 minutes on the court, his impact was minimal.
Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s decision to allocate significant playing time to Robinson is raising questions. Robinson’s difficulties in making shots turned him into a liability, considering he does not contribute effectively in other offensive areas.
- Robinson’s average minutes per game over the last three seasons: 16.5, 28.0, and 24.1.
- Overall performance in the season opener: 32 minutes with little to no impact.
Need for Young Talent
The Pistons must reconsider their lineup strategy. With Robinson overshadowing players like Caris LeVert and Ron Holland, who performed better, adjustments are necessary. Bickerstaff should prioritize giving more minutes to emerging talents like Chaz Lanier and Daniss Jenkins.
Emerging Players
Lanier, a rookie, has demonstrated his scoring ability in both the Summer League and preseason games. He will soon turn 24, placing him among the more seasoned first-year players in the league. Giving him opportunities could invigorate the team’s offense.
- Lanier’s strengths: Ability to score and make shots.
- Jenkins: Has shown significant improvement, making 46.4% of his three-point attempts in recent play.
Although Jenkins is on a two-way contract, his performance warrants consideration during rotations, particularly with star player Jaden Ivey currently absent. While Robinson remains a valuable asset as a shooting specialist, his minutes need to be strategically reduced. This approach could enhance the Pistons’ performance and optimize their offensive strategies moving forward.
