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Detroit Pistons Midseason Review And Grades

By Aaron Ferguson

November 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pistons 109-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pistons 109-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) gestures from the court during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) gestures from the court during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting Guards

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been the only shooting guard that the Pistons have used for all but two games. Jodie Meeks suffered a broken right foot on Oct. 28, which is expected to keep him out for three to four months, according to the Detroit Free Press’ Vince Ellis.

KCP has been the primary player at shooting guard because of the injury. He’s averaging 37.4 minutes per game and has seen a small spike in his career numbers because of it. What has been most remarkable about his game this season is his development on the defensive end.

Caldwell-Pope thrived against some of the league’s best competition, including reigning MVP Stephen Curry. He has 1.8 defensive win shares, which is already as many as he had all of last season. His 1.0 Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) is the only positive rating he’s had in his three-year career.

Offensively, KCP has also been good. He has 1.7 offensive win shares and a 0.7 OBPM, both are career highs. He’s shooting a career-best 41.6 percent from the field and is scoring 14.4 points per game. He has scored double figures in 31 of 41 games this season.

The Pistons typically match Caldwell-Pope on team’s best scorers, and he has not disappointed. He does need to improve as a shooter, however. He’s only connecting on 32.2 percent of three-pointers and is taking 5 per game. Overall, he has played well and has been consistent on the defensive end.

Previous Shooting Guard Grade: B

Shooting Guard Grade: B+

Next: Small Forwards

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