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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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Charlotte Hornets v Detroit Pistons
Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Young guns getting chances

Touted as the best all-around shooter in the draft, Detroit Pistons’ rookie Luke Kennard continues to improve and become a well-rounded player. Kennard spent the summer impressing the Pistons’ coaches in the NBA Summer League and working on his defense.

Since being drafted by the Pistons with the No. 12 overall pick, Kennard has made a solid case for playing time with Stan Van Gundy and his staff.

The rest of the team’s young guns showed up as well. Henry Ellenson and Kennard both contributed 10 points in the loss, while Stanley Johnson added eight points. Van Gundy has made it clear the young guns will have to earn their playing time.

Per Duncan Smith of Piston Powered, Van Gundy has been impressed by the defensive strides of Kennard.

"“He can move his feet, he’s got decent size, he’s strong, he actually should develop into a good defender and it should be a strength of his as he learns systems and rotations. He should be at least an average if not an above average defender very quickly.”"

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