Sir Charles in Charge
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Mediocrity in Motown: The Detroit Pistons need to bounce back in 2017-18

By Evan Dyal

AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts late in the game during a 105-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts late in the game during a 105-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – DECEMBER 23: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons reacts while playing the Golden State Warriors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on December 23, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – DECEMBER 23: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons reacts while playing the Golden State Warriors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on December 23, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Last Year’s Supporting Cast

Two years ago, the other three starters on that playoff team were Marcus Morris, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Tobias Harris.

Harris is a versatile forward who can play both the 3 and the 4 spots. Last year, he was solid averaging 16 points on 48 percent shooting with a 16.9 PER. Respectable numbers, but like other Detroit Pistons it’s unsure if he is anything more.

The problem with Harris is he is just an average three-point shooter. Not the ideal stretch 4 Van Gundy is looking for. Last year he shot 34 percent from deep. He is a great isolation scorer, but a weak passer. On defense, he can struggle with quicker 3’s and doesn’t protect the rim well at the 4 spot. These issues came up a lot last year and that is why he was benched for 34 games.

The other forward is Marcus Morris. He is a tough physical defender who can guard both forward spots. Like Harris though his outside shooting is inconsistent. He is streaky. Two years ago he was 36 percent from deep, last year just 33 percent. Morris while tough lacks efficiency. Fourty-one percent from the field won’t cut it. It’s because of that he was traded to Boston.

Finally there’s Caldwell-Pope. He is a true two-way player capable of guarding both 1’s and 2’s. He’s a 3-D guy. Last year he was average from deep shooting 35 percent, but he can get hot. Where he struggles is finishing around the rim. Pope is also a poor passer, which you may notice is a theme for the Pistons. That is why they were 24th in assists. Detroit chose not to re-sign Pope this offseason and he is now on the Lakers.

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