Detroit Pistons: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season
By Simon Smith
2. Pistons attempt at least 30 3-pointers per game
Considering the Pistons attempted 30 or more 3-pointers on just seven occasions last season, this may seem a stretch. But as mentioned earlier, their roster makeup allows for a more perimeter-heavy attack.
The Pistons averaged just 23.4 attempts last season, down from their 26.2 per game average in 2015-16.
Detroit Pistons
Granted, the Pistons’ two highest volume 3-point shooters last season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris, departed the team this summer. However, as touched upon earlier, the players that have come aboard should certainly help to fill the difference.
The trio of Bradley, Tolliver and Galloway combined to average 12.7 attempts per game last season. However, there are a number of other players currently on the roster who can certainly increase their proficiency in this area.
Reggie Bullock, who signed a two-year, $5 million deal this offseason, shot at a 38.4 percent clip on 2.4 attempts per game last season. With Morris’ departure, it’s not inconceivable to see Bullock receive an increase in opportunity, and hence more possibilities to launch from downtown.
In his first season with the Pistons last season, Jon Leuer struggled mightily from the field, hitting at just a 29.3 percent clip from 3-point range. But with a season under his belt under Van Gundy’s system, and some openings available in the frontcourt, Leuer finds himself in a great position to markedly improve this area of his game.
Furthermore, another player who can help the Pistons reach this mark is rookie guard Luke Kennard. In his sophomore season at Duke, Kennard averaged 5.4 attempts per game while converting at a 43.8 percent clip. While the transition to the pro game will take some time, this is is certainly one area the Pistons had in mind when they selected Kennard with the No. 12 overall pick.