The Detroit Pistons concluded Summer League play last night. The Pistons won their final game in Summer League against the Orlando Magic with a final score of 79-78.
With Summer League coming to a close. Here are the biggest takeaways I noticed from the Pistons during Summer League.
Luka Garza is a steal
Second-round draft pick Luka Garza has been one of the most talked-about players on the Pistons Summer League roster. Before the Summer League, he went on a strict diet and workout program that allowed him to lose 27 pounds. His weight loss and training have payed off as Garza has been performing well on both ends of the floor. From his rim-protecting on the defensive end to making critical shots on the offensive end.
Garza has proven to be a dominant big man and have a future in the league. In his last two games of Summer League, he averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds per game.
He made comments on how his work in the offseason has payed off. Garza stated, “I try to go out there, and good things happen when you put in the work,” per Rod Beard of the Detroit News.
Yesterday, the Pistons signed Garza to a two-way deal per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Jamorko Pickett balled out in Summer League
Jamorko Pickett had a terrific Summer League. Pickett went undrafted in this year’s draft, and the Pistons signed him to their Summer League Roster.
He shined the most when he was on the starting lineup due to Sekou Doumbouya getting injured. He averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds and shot 56.25% from three-point range in his last three games. Pickett will most likely make the training camp roster and could be a valuable asset to the future.
Hayes needs to work on his jump shot
While there are always positives that come out of Summer League, it is always good to see what players need to improve. One player, in particular, Killian Hayes, needs to work. Hayes shot 31.8% from the field and 18.2% from three-point.
Throughout the next couple of weeks, Hayes needs to work with the Pistons on his jump shot. It’s a critical skill that Hayes needs to be able to do, especially since he could be playing more off the ball due to the arrival of Cade Cunningham.
Cunningham is a leader
The Piston’s first overall draft pick Cade Cunningham balled out during Summer League. Cunningham averaged 18.67 points, 5.67 rebounds, 2.33 steals per game in Summer League.
His best performance was against the New York Knicks last Friday night. He scored the game-high seven three-pointers and finished with 24 points and 7 rebounds.
But it wasn’t his performances that stand out the most. It was his leadership and communication with his teammates.
Cunningham made a statement on how he is about developing his own game and his teammates as well.
Cunningham stated, “I know the perspective of my team would be with me coming in as the No. 1 pick. I don’t want to come in being about me and taking up that space. I want to build on their games,” via Rod Beard of the Detroit News.
His teammates have also noticed the impact that Cunningham makes as a leader. Forward Saddiq Bey made a statement on Cunningham as a leader.
Cunningham has excelled on the court throughout Summer League as a leader and player. He currently has the best odds to win rookie of the year at +250 via Draft Kings.
The Pistons will now have some time off as training camp will kick off on September 28th.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Related Posts
Detroit’s First All Digital Sports Network!
Listen to Your Favorite Shows LIVE each and every weekday. Download the Woodward Sports App Today!
