The Detroit Pistons are 4-1 and are back at the top of the Eastern Conference standings after defeating the Charlotte Hornets, 97-89. It wasn't the most convincing or aesthetically pleasing performance by the Pistons, but they got the job done. In the grueling 82-game season, contenders need to win ugly games, and this was one of them.
We were still able to learn a few things about this team. What can we take away from the Pistons' fifth game of the season?
Pistons need to add another big man
In Jalen Duren's absence, Paul Reed played over 38 minutes. Given that this was the second night of a back-to-back, this is less than ideal.
This was partially because of John Collins' foul trouble. Bickerstaff wants to have Reed play as many minutes as he can handle. When he is on the bench, he runs small-ball lineups with Collins at the five.
This suggests that the Pistons need another center option in the rotation. Bickerstaff doesn't trust Tolu Smith. If your third-string center can't get any minutes when your starting center is sidelined, forcing your backup center to play 38 minutes, it may be time to make some changes.
Daniss Jenkins is very important for this team
Before the 2026-27 campaign, there was some concern about whether Jenkins was a one-season wonder. He emerged as a rotation-caliber player last season, but he was also inconsistent and inefficient. With the new arrivals in Detroit, many were wondering what Jenkins' role on the team would be.
Through the first five games of the season, Jenkins proved his importance to the Pistons once again. On Wednesday, he was the X-factor that helped lead the Pistons' comeback in the second half. He continued his hot shooting for the season, finishing with 6/10 from the field and 2/4 from three, on his way to 14 points, two rebounds, and two assists in 24 minutes.
Jenkins is one of the true two-way players on this team. He provides shot creation and playmaking on one end, without being a liability on the other. If he is going to continue hitting his jumpers beyond the arc as well, then his minutes will only increase.
Ron Holland is officially on thin ice
Holland was already off to a rocky start to the season, and things hit rock bottom on Wednesday. The third-year player looked lost out there. With every mistake, foul, or turnover, Holland's confidence began to disappear.
By the end of his 12-minute stint, he was barely looking at the rim. Every time he touched the ball, he would hot potato it to one of his teammates.
Holland still has a lot of defensive upside. Even when he struggles, he is able to make a defensive impact. But at this point, it's becoming difficult to justify having him out there with his offensive shortcomings. He takes away more offensively than he is bringing to the table defensively, especially when he is being foul- and mistake-prone like he was against the Hornets.
There needs to be a change here pretty soon. Otherwise, Holland's role will continue to be reduced. This will eventually lead to his exit, and he will have no one to blame but himself.
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