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Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from preseason opener vs. Hornets

By Karintha Styles

AUBURN HILLS, MI - OCTOBER 4: Ish Smith #14 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on October 4, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - OCTOBER 4: Ish Smith #14 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on October 4, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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3. Reggie Jackson sits, Ish Smith is hit or miss

The Detroit Pistons decided to err on the side of caution and keep Reggie sidelined during their preseason opener. Jackson missed a vast part of last season with knee tendonitis. Jackson only played in 52 games last season due to the knee issues.

After Jackson left practice early on Monday with a sore right adductor that isn’t related to his knee tendonitis, Van Gundy and the Pistons staff opted to pull Jackson from the starting lineup just to be safe.

Ish Smith started in place of Jackson and held his own with the first team. Smith’s play was spotty and inconsistent, but when he played well, he displayed promising flashes. His ball-handling early in the game was spot on. His dish to Andre Drummond led to a dunk by the Pistons’ big man.  The play also garnered praise from Keith Langlois on Twitter.

Smith struggled from the 3-point arc and his effectiveness decreased with the increase in minutes. Duncan Smith of Piston Powered tweeted about Ish’s struggles with the added minutes.

Ish Smith added 10 points, seven assists, three steals, one block and five turnovers in 31 minutes starting for Jackson.

Smith fired up the team with offensive and defensive efforts early in the game. The team seemed comfortable with Smith at the point quickly jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter.

The takeaway from Smith’s play is ball control and turnovers. If Smith can control his turnovers he can be a viable option if Jackson does miss time this season to injury.

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