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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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3. Most important stat: -31 in free throw attempt margin

The biggest issue this weekend was the discrepancy at the free throw line. The Pistons attempted 31 less free throws than their opponents in two games, playing too aggressive on the perimeter. The perimeter defense from Detroit has shown a lot of positives, but the referees are keeping a tight whistle on the Pistons. Andre Drummond is also having issues, only logging 26 minutes against the Wizards.

The fouling is not a result of laziness or bad defense all the time. This will happen when you play aggressive defense out to the three-point line. Avery Bradley and Stanley Johnson will have games where they pick up quick fouls, which happened on Friday and Saturday. Early in the game, the Pistons might need to back off a little bit as to not worry about foul trouble later.

Overall, it was a solid weekend for the Detroit Pistons and a nice start to the season. I like the heart of the team so far, going down 15 in the fourth quarter in Washington and then down 21 in the first half to the Knicks but still creating a comeback. Last year, Detroit would fold playing the second game of a back-to-back in New York. This year, they tightened up the defense and made big baskets down the stretch. A couple of calls go differently on Friday facing the Wizards and Detroit might open up with three straight victories.

Alas, the Pistons will have to take a 2-1 start to the season. I like the direction of the team, but the NBA season is still incredibly young. It will take a month or so before we know where the Detroit Pistons will end up. The defense looks to be a strength of the team and Tobias Harris continues his strong play. Reggie Jackson is becoming more comfortable and was clutch facing the Knicks. Ish Smith and Jon Leuer are showing their value with the bench unit. When Jackson and Avery Bradley find a rhythm, the Pistons’ offense will be more potent and consistent.

Next: Why to expect the Pistons to return to playoffs

The Pistons have four games in six games this week, with two on the West Coast. It will be nice to split the week and stay above .500.

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