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Detroit Pistons: 2017-18 player grades for Stanley Johnson

By Gage Bridgford

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 9: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons stretches with mascot Hooper of the Detroit Pistons before the game against the Toronto Raptors on April 9, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 9: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons stretches with mascot Hooper of the Detroit Pistons before the game against the Toronto Raptors on April 9, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons, Stanley Johnson
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /

Weaknesses

Shooting was undoubtedly Johnson’s biggest Achilles heel this season and in his NBA career so far in general. After shooting 37 percent from 3 in his lone season at Arizona, that skill has yet to translate in three seasons at the pro level.

This year was his worst percentage from 3 at only 28.6 percent. In today’s NBA, shooting is a near necessity to earn regular minutes in a rotation, though it’s hard to say what kind of minutes he’ll see under new head coach Dwane Casey. Johnson needs to seriously work on his shot this summer to maintain his spot in the rotation.

Rebounding is an area where the Pistons are able to cover up weaknesses thanks to the loose-ball vacuum that is Andre Drummond. However, at 6’7″ and 245 pounds, Johnson shouldn’t average less than four rebounds per game. Yet, he turned in a measly 3.7 boards per game.

Even just using his athleticism should lead to more. He should spend this summer with Drummond and Blake Griffin to work on rebounding in general. If he’s never going to be a shooter, earning extra possessions with hustle for offensive boards can help make up for that issue.

Although Johnson had more weaknesses, rebounding and shooting were undeniably his worst that held back his season from being the breakout year he’s been searching for. At least Johnson put his athleticism on display this season, so let’s take a look at some of his highlights from 2017-18.

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