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Detroit Pistons: Keys to Sustaining Stunning Turnaround

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) high fives Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter agains the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) high fives Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter agains the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jodie Meeks (20) looks back to high five a teammate after making a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jodie Meeks (20) looks back to high five a teammate after making a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Jodie Meeks’ Return

He may not be a household name, but the Detroit Pistons’ turnaround coincides with Jodie Meeks returning from a 22-game injury absence.

It’s no coincidence

Meeks is currently No. 3 on the Pistons at 13.9 points per game. He’s shooting 48.2 percent from the field, 47.7 percent from 3-point range and 92.3 percent from the free throw line.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the other shooting guard, is averaging 12.2 points on 39.4 percent shooting from the field and D.J. Augustin, something of a combo guard, has tallied 8.4 points on a 36.8 percent conversion rate.

Meeks was dearly missed.

Prior to Meeks’ return, the Pistons were 3-19. Since he’s come back, Detroit has gone 7-4, which includes its current 5-game winning streak—a period in which Meeks is averaging 17.8 points per contest.

Coming off of a 2013-14 season in which he averaged an efficient 15.7 points per game for the Los Angeles Lakers, Meeks’ production is sustainable.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, the Pistons are 4.1 points better with Meeks on the court than when he’s on the bench. He’s taken some time to adjust defensively, but Detroit is 8.2 points per 100 possessions better when he’s on the floor than when he’s off it.

Stan Van Gundy loves the 3-ball as much as anyone in the NBA. Meeks is a major reason Detroit’s turned things around in that department.

Next: A Stan Van Gundy Staple

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