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Detroit Pistons: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

By Karintha Styles

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 6: Anthony Tolliver #43 of the Detroit Pistons high fives his teammates during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 6, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, 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)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 6: Anthony Tolliver #43 of the Detroit Pistons high fives his teammates during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 6, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, 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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Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images
Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images /

Strength No. 2: A commitment to playing better defense

Before training camp started, the Detroit Pistons held a players only meeting in Las Vegas. Among the topics discussed during the meeting was returning to the signature identity of the Detroit Pistons. Embracing the identity of the Pistons’ legacy means a return to defense.

During the meeting, Anthony Tolliver asked his teammates what kind of identity they wanted to have.

"We have to decide what our identity is going to be. We talked about how we want to be the best defensive team in the league. I said, ‘That’s great, because once you have that identity on the defensive end, that camaraderie carries over to the offensive end, so that’ll take care of itself.’ I think guys came out of that dinner with a sense of where we were going.”"

Defense is also a priority for Stan Van Gundy. He plans to rebuild the Pistons’ legacy and return them to the elite ranks of the NBA, and defense is the key to doing so.

Van Gundy has been quite vocal about the Detroit’s need to improve on defense. Per Duncan Smith of Piston Powered, Van Gundy is impressed with Luke Kennard’s increasing defensive skills.

"“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.”"

Focusing on defense will help keep the Pistons in games when their shots aren’t falling. During the first preseason game of the year, the Pistons squandered a large lead. Though they ended up losing the game, they only lost by two points. Last year the Piston’s defensive set would not have enabled them to stay in the game once they gave up their lead.

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