The Detroit Pistons kicked off their four-game preseason slate on Monday against the Phoenix Suns. It was the first chance for fans to see the new-look Pistons in action. Besides Jalen Duren, the Pistons had everyone else healthy and available for the game. But all eyes were on the newcomers and how they fit with the team that just won 60 games last season.
It wasn't the best showing for the starting lineup as the Pistons dug themselves a big hole early in the first half. After being down 17 at the half, Detroit was able to turn it around in the second half and come away with the 109-107 win.
Of course, the score is insignificant in the preseason. It's all about individual performances and how the team is meshing together on the court. But it was still great to see the fight the Pistons had, and even better to see rookie Ebuka Okorie hit the game-winner.
Ebuka Okorie game winner pic.twitter.com/lZtSSaJjev
— mm (@muhtxm) October 6, 2026
Ebuka Okorie might complicate the Pistons' rotation after solid preseason showing
JB Bickerstaff trusted Okorie with the ball for the final possession. The 19-year-old rookie went all the way to the rim and had a nice left-handed finish to win the game for the Pistons.
After the game, Okorie said that the play was for him to "get downhill going right," but he saw that the lane was open going to his left and decided to go all the way when the help wasn't there, per The Athletic's Hunter Patterson.
This is exactly what the Pistons want to see from him. Okorie is one of the best ball-handlers and drivers of his draft class. He demonstrated an impressive knack for attacking the rim during his time at Stanford, which was a big reason why the Pistons traded up to draft him with the 17th overall pick.
Bickerstaff praised Okorie's ability to finish after the game, calling it "unique" given his age and experience level, per Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press.
On Monday, Okorie didn't see action until the fourth quarter before playing the final ten minutes of the game. The Pistons were down by five when he entered the game. Finishing with seven points on 3/4 shooting, an assist, a steal, and no turnovers, Okorie was a big factor in Detroit's comeback win. This should earn him more minutes in the preseason.
It will be difficult for Okorie to get playing time right away. The Pistons have a ton of depth on the perimeter. At the same time, this is exactly what you want to see from your rookie in his preseason debut. Plus, he has a very translatable skill, and the Pistons need more offensive juice.
Daniss Jenkins has the inside track to get backup point guard minutes to start the season. But he is not an irreplaceable player at this point. With a couple of more solid performances, Okorie could very well carve a role out for himself.
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