Preseason Preview: Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks
Today marks the beginning of a new season, or preseason, I should say. The Pistons will begin their preseason against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Oddly enough, this game will be on TNT, so perhaps it is a big deal. Nevertheless, here are a few things to look for in this game.
Essential Stuff
Time: 7PM EST
TV: TNT
Location: New York City, Madison Square Garden
Injury Report
Kevin Knox II - Calf - likely Out
Alec Burks - Foot- Likely out
Nerlens Noel - Foot - Likely Out
Killian Hayes’s Aggressiveness
Preseason is usually a time where most of the minutes are given to players who come off the bench or who are competing for a spot on the roster. For Killian Hayes, he has the opportunity to show several things as he runs the backup point guard position. One is his new shot. His release looks fluid on tape, and it will be interesting to see if that can lead to more shot attempts in the game. This year is about as make-or-break as it gets for Hayes, so it will be pivotal for him to start strong.
How Do The Rookies Look?
We got to see both Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren in the Summer League, but in some ways, this will be their first time against real NBA competition. For Ivey, I wonder how his speed will translate on the court playing next to Cade Cunningham? In the summer league, he struggled playing under control at times, so using his athleticism to his advantage and not to his disadvantage is pivotal. We will also get to see him play in a more off-ball role as well, which was something not as common at his time at Purdue. If he can hit open shots will, that would be huge for him.
Jalen Duren will also get a chance to play some solid minutes. Though he may not start, Duren can begin to make his case early for the starting center position. From Duren, you’d like to see him be a better rebounder as that was something that he struggled with in Summer League. I think it’s unlikely that we see him shoot as often, but if he can play his role as an above-the-rim center, then the Pistons have accelerated their rebuild big-time.
Battle For The Final Spots
It was only three years ago when Joe Johnson battled Christian Wood for a final roster spot, and the Pistons, thankfully, made the right decision. Guys like Buddy Boeheim and Braxton Key will have chances to solidify their spot on the roster and perhaps move up in the rotation. Key is a familiar face for the Pistons, and played well to end the season, so he will try to keep that momentum heading into this season. Other players such as Stanley Umude and Jules Bernard are probably not going to make the final roster, but they will at least have a chance to impress.
