The moment has arrived! The NBA Summer League play begins tomorrow. The Detroit Pistons are the team to watch during the next few days in Las Vegas. The Piston’s number one overall pick Cade Cunningham will be making his Pistons debut and the player to look out for in Summer League play.
Many Pistons fans are wondering what the main things to look out for during Summer League play. So here is a guide on what to look forward to during the Piston’s time in Vegas.
Killian and Cade Dynamic
The Pistons have two dominant point guards in Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes. Some were concerned about Cunningham not wanting to give up the ball to Hayes. Due to Cunningham being a more ball-dominant player.
But Cunningham wants to spot those rumors completely. Cunningham stated on the situation, ” he’s a good dude. I don’t think we’re going to have any trouble communicating. We both want to be playmakers and win,” via James Edwards.
Cunningham and Hayes both want to make the situation work. Cunningham’s game allows him to either be on and off the ball. So Hayes could still the primary ball handlers for the Pistons. Hayes and Cunningham are going to be the most exciting duo to watching during Summer League.
Garza’s Upside
Second-round draft pick Luka Garza has been getting so much love from Piston’s Twitter. Fans are even loving the videos of him working out that his dad post on his Twitter.
Last season, Garza was the national player of the year and looked to provide the doubters wrong. The reason why Garza moved down to the second round is due to his mobility on the floor. But, Garza during the offseason lost about 30 pounds right before Summer League. Garza lost the weight to be more athletic and mobile on the court.
Garza stated on how the weight loss and working out more has helped his craft.
“It’s not only just moving weight, but just all the work I’ve done through this process of working on my lateral movement and quickness and stuff like that. I’m still not a world-beater, but I’m getting better and better. And that’s what I can do, is just continue to try to maximize my potential as an athlete,” via Omari Sanofa II of the Detroit News.
Doumbouya’s Leadership and Development
The Piston’s most significant question mark is Sekou Doumbouya. Doumbouya is in his third season is the oldest Piston to attend Summer League this year.
Many have their doubts about Doumbouya’s future in Detroit. Others have optimize about Doumbouya has a key piece to the team.
Coach Dwane Casey stated on how Sekou is a valuable piece to the team as a leader, “He talks a lot, and he does that on the court. “Sekou is a smart basketball player. He’s helping the new guys and even our other guys. He’s another talker. That’s leadership he’s bringing.”
Doumbouya made a comment on wanting to just get better in all aspects of his game as well. “I’m focusing on everything, I’m trying to get better at everything,” per Omari Sanokfa of the Detroit News.
Livers and Stewart are out due to injuries
Isaiah Livers and Isaiah Stewart are out with mirror injuries. Livers has been dealing with a foot injury since March. But is expected to return in November. Stewart will travel to Vegas, but is out due to an ankle injury. The Pistons do not want to deal with getting a worse injury.
The Pistons want to win Summer League
Many are believing that the Pistons will be Summer League Champions. With the Pistons bringing three out of their five starters down to Vegas. Summer League for the Pistons is not just about development. But it’s about winning in the mind of Cunningham.
The Pistons open Summer League play on Sunday against the Oklahoma Thunder at 8:30 p.m. Here is the full Summer League schedule and roster for the Pistons.
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[…] Pistons Fan Guide: 2021 Summer League Preview […]
[…] Livers is still recovering from foot surgery. Livers injured his foot back in March, causing him to sit out for the entire NCAA Tournament. So he has been working with Beilein to help him get back into game shape and not participate in Summer League games. He should make a full recovery and be back on the court sometime in November. […]