Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Bruce Brown the Unsung Hero for the Detroit Pistons

By Bob Heyrman

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 23: Bruce Brown #6 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 23, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 23: Bruce Brown #6 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 23, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

While it’s expected that Andre Drummond would pace the Detroit Pistons while Blake Griffin is on the mend, Derrick Rose has been nothing short of spectacular for Detroit.

As the Detroit Pistons hosted the Brooklyn Nets Saturday night, they did so without Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, Reggie Jackson, and Tim Frazier.  I certainly picked a wonderful game to attend, right?  That was sarcastic.  As I was in transit to the arena, I found out Rose was out.

I understand the logic; Rose was coming off of a massive night in his hometown of Chicago.  Dwayne Casey needs to manage his minutes and potentially sit him in back to back scenarios just to preserve his body.  That being said, to say I was disappointed would be an understatement.

I was well aware that Griffin would be missing but had hopes of once again seeing Derrick Rose live. But it was another guard that caught my eye, and I’m sure along with yours.

More from Detroit Jock City

Man, this Bruce Brown can play.  Since Reggie Jackson has been sidelined with a back injury, it’s been Tim Frazier starting at the point with Derrick Rose coming off of the bench.

I have no issue with Rose coming off of the bench, plus it’s worked out wonderfully for the Pistons to start the season.  At times it appears as though Rose has turned back the clock.  He’s been dominant at times early on this season.

He’s been great hitting the mid-range jumper, and when he wants to attack the rim, just try and stop him.  He’s been able to give Detroit a spark midway through the first quarter when he regularly checks in for the first time.

Entering Saturday, Brown was fourth in the pecking order, but that’s sure to change, at least in the immediate future. He was able to outscore Kyrie Irving, although Irving dominated late in the fourth quarter.

With the Detroit Pistons virtually out of healthy point guards, Brown played a team-high 40 minutes. He scored 22 points, 2 boards, 7 assists.  He was 8/20 from the field and 6/8 from the charity stripe.  More impressive than any of that, though, Brown did not turn the ball over once.  For a team that is struggling to maintain possession of the basketball, so that stat shines a little brighter than it usually would.

Bruce Brown had been playing as a shooting guard, or off the ball guard throughout his career until this summer.  It appears he’s been playing the incorrect position all along.

Andre Drummond, as expected, was the key player Saturday night scoring 25 points and corralling 20 rebounds, made 5 blocks and also hit a couple of crucial free throws late. Luke Kennard also got hot late, scoring 24 on the night, including 3/7 from three-point range on the night.

Next. Detroit Pistons Season Preview. dark

Live Brown looked better than Tim Frazier has at any point of the season thus far.  I’d expect a heavy dose of Brown tonight in Washington, even if Frazier is good to go.

Home/Detroit Pistons