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Detroit Pistons: Takeaways from season’s first weekend road trip

By Zackary Caldwell

AUBURN HILLS, MI - JANUARY 03: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons looks for a rebound while playing the Indiana Pacers at the Palace of Auburn Hills on January 3, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - JANUARY 03: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons looks for a rebound while playing the Indiana Pacers at the Palace of Auburn Hills on January 3, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons had their first back-to-back of the season. They were both close games as the Pistons were able to split the weekend and stay above .500

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 20: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons watches from the bench against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 20: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons watches from the bench against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

With an opening night victory on Wednesday, the Detroit Pistons hit the road with a tough back to back. It’s too early in the season to declare any must wins or hit the emergency button with two losses.

However, the Pistons were able to salvage a rough start in New York and grab a victory. Going to Washington D.C. and New York are never easy trips. Yet, after watching both games, I came away feeling good about the Pistons.

1. Biggest takeaway: The overall versatility and depth

Everyone knows the Pistons do not have one of the top ten or fifteen players in the league. Knowing that, Stan Van Gundy has built a team that can go twelve deep and play a variety of matchups. We know Andre Drummond will play 36 minutes, but for everyone else each game is different.

This was prevalent in the Knicks game on Saturday. Anthony Tolliver did not play the first two games, but against New York, Van Gundy gave him 20 minutes with Tolliver having a +21 plus/minus on the court. Reggie Jackson was sluggish through the first three quarters, which led to more Ish Smith minutes.  Tobias Harris had a mismatch against the Knicks, so he spent more time on the wing than at power forward. This gave Jon Leuer more time at power forward to help Andre Drummond provide length at the rim.

Having a dependable bench will give Stan Van Gundy more chances to rest starters and run a more up-tempo offense. So far, the Pistons are relying on everyone on the roster to help out. Eric Moreland gave good minutes against the Charlotte Hornets and Anthony Tolliver gave great minutes against the Knicks.

If the Pistons need more offense, they can bring out Luke Kennard and Henry Ellenson. If the Pistons need more defense, they can bring out Langston Galloway and Eric Moreland. It’s an interesting dynamic and not a common idea you see in the NBA. I am curious if Stan Van Gundy continues to mix his lineups and bench units depending on each game.

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