When asked about the Detroit Pistons’ offseason, the majority of people will respond positively. The organization began with new faces, signing players such as Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley to help balance the squad. Despite these encouraging acquisitions, defense was one area that Trajan Langdon, the Pistons’ new president, did not fully address.
Last season, the Pistons were 26th in opponent points per game and 25th in defensive rating. They also ranked in the lowest half of opponents’ two-point field goal made, attempted, and %. Turnovers were also an issue, with the club ranked 26th in forcing turnovers. These defensive issues had a huge impact on the team’s overall success.
Fans anticipated the organization would bring in players to strengthen the defense, but they may have done so with the coach. J.B. Bickerstaff, a solid player development and one of the NBA’s best defensive coaches, has taken over as head coach. When he took over as head coach of the Cavaliers full-time for the 2020-21 season, the team ranked 17th in opponents’ points per game and 25th in defensive rating. Surprisingly, the Cavaliers have not finished lower than seventh in these categories over the last three seasons.
On the surface, fans may believe the Pistons will be the same defensively. This may not be the case, given Bickerstaff’s track record and ability to develop defensive talent. Some of the players on this roster have the potential to become excellent defenders under his tutelage. Who are these players, and how will they improve the Pistons’ defense? Let’s go exploring.
Three Players Who Can Help the Pistons Defense This Season
Marcus Sasser: Boosting The Pistons’ Second Unit Defense
Marcus Sasser had a modest offensive impact during the Summer League, shooting 33% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. However, he continued to make significant improvements in his perimeter defense. Sasser led the squad in steals with 2.0 per game over the course of five Summer League games. This effort highlighted one of his primary assets coming out of college: his ability to defend on the perimeter, something he also shown in glimpses during his rookie season.
This season, Sasser will be under a lot of pressure to establish his status as the Pistons’ backup point guard. While his offensive numbers will be essential, his defensive contributions will also be significant. With the Pistons’ second unit, which includes players who can score, such as Malik Beasley, Sasser can focus more on his defensive duties rather than being a primary scorer.
The Pistons’ bench has players like Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart, who are noted for their effort and defensive ability. Sasser’s ability to disturb opponents on the perimeter will augment Thompson and Stewart’s efforts, resulting in a potent defensive team. This synergy can enable the Pistons sustain defensive intensity while their starters recover, dramatically improving the team’s overall performance.
Jaden Ivey: Prioritizing Defence and Unlocking Potential
Despite having one of the league’s lowest defensive ratings last season, Jaden Ivey improved significantly on defense via pure effort. Early in the season, his defensive blunders cost him his starting position to Killian Hayes. Recognizing the need for development, Ivey concentrated on improving his defensive abilities, knowing that being a key player required more than just attacking prowess. As a possible starting shooting guard, Ivey must continue to emphasis defensive efforts.
Standing 6’4″ and weighing 195 pounds, Ivey possesses the physical attributes required to be an excellent defender. His top-end speed ranks among the finest in the league, allowing him to get ahead of opponents and efficiently challenge shots. Given these characteristics, there is no reason for Ivey not to develop into a strong defender.
Under Bickerstaff’s tutelage, Ivey has an excellent opportunity to improve his defensive game. Bickerstaff’s coaching could provide Ivey with the tips and pointers he needs to better maximize his athletic abilities. For example, Bickerstaff helped the Cavaliers become one of the league’s best defensive teams, with players such as Darius Garland and Collin Sexton improving significantly defensively under his coaching.
Jalen Duren: Developing into The Pistons’ Anchor on Defense
Physically, Jalen Duren possesses all of the attributes required to be an outstanding defender. At 6’11” and 250 pounds, he has the size and strength to be a dominant force in the paint. Furthermore, his outstanding athleticism enables him to contest shots, defend the basket, and switch efficiently on pick-and-rolls. These characteristics indicate that Duren has the ability to be a defensive pillar for the Pistons.
Duren, on the other hand, must bring it all together and become the player his potential suggests he is capable of. He frequently finds himself out of position, and his lack of movement and aggression can lead to serious consequences. These are common concerns among young players that can be remedied with more gaming experience. Duren’s participation in Team USA’s select team this summer, at the age of 20, should give him with great learning opportunities and motivation.
Bickerstaff has a proven track record of turning big men into exceptional defenders, as evidenced by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in Cleveland. Duren can learn the basics of NBA defense from Bickerstaff, enhance his positioning, and fine-tune his shot-blocking timing. Bickerstaff’s coaching can assist Duren maximize his physical abilities, acquire the discipline required to avoid foul trouble, and maintain a defensive presence throughout games.
The Last Word
J.B. Bickerstaff’s coaching is prepared to unlock these players’ defensive potential by emphasizing positioning, discipline, and effective use of their athletic attributes. His ability to develop players like Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland into decent defenders in Cleveland is a positive sign for what he can do with the Pistons.
As the Pistons prepare for the 2024-25 season, they will need to prioritize defensive upgrades. If Bickerstaff can instill a strong defensive mindset and develop these young players, the Pistons may see a large decrease in opponents’ points per game and an overall improvement in defensive rating. This defensive makeover will help the squad improve in games and lay the groundwork for long-term success. The Pistons’ ability to strengthen their defense will be critical to their quest to become a more competitive and balanced club.
