Detroit Pistons: 5 goals for Luke Kennard’s rookie season

1. Defense

Van Gundy has made it very clear he expects Luke Kennard to improve defensively if the former Duke guard wants to see significant playing time during his rookie season.

Gundy discussed Kennard’s stellar NBA Summer League debut with Greg Auman of the Charlotte Observer.

"“He’s got to change his entire defensive approach,” Van Gundy said when the Pistons introduced their top pick, and after an impressive week in the NBA Summer League at Amway Center in Orlando, he’s at least acknowledging the possibility of the rookie playing defense at a tolerable level."

Improving his defensive skills could translate into significant playing time for Kennard. His shooting prowess and ability to see the open court make up for any perceived athletic limitations he may have.

Johnathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report ranked Kennard as one of the top five shooting guards in this year’s draft. Wasserman broke down some of Kennard’s physical limitations that could hinder his defensive progress in his pre-draft report. 

"“He lacks bulk at 196 pounds, and he’s a mediocre athlete. Kennard isn’t explosive, which raises concerns about his ability to create enough separation on offense, while his limited strength and quickness hurt his defensive outlook. He could ultimately have trouble containing starting NBA wings, making it reasonable to question whether he can handle full-time minutes.”"

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Based on his recent play during the NBA Summer League Kennard intends to make an effort to elevate hit defensive skills so that he can become a contributing member of the Pistons’ team rotation.