Detroit Pistons: 3 breakout candidates in 2018-19

Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Detroit Pistons,
Detroit Pistons, /

1. Stanley Johnson

Johnson has oozed potential for three seasons. However, he has yet to make the breakout that has been expected of him. This is the final season of his rookie deal and next year does not count against the team if they cut him. He has the potential to be a slashing wing and lockdown defender, but he has yet to make things click on offense.

His defense is good, but he needs to work on the finer things. He can be taken out of plays too easily. In the series against the Cavs two years ago, he played well against LeBron. At least, he played as good as should be expected against one of the greatest of all time. There were times when he was a bit too aggressive and it cost him. The Raptors had a top-five defense, and Johnson could be the piece to move the Pistons up from 11th near the top five.

The offensive end is where Johnson has flashed potential. However, he has been very inconsistent. This past season, he had games like this. When he torched the Cavaliers for 26 points and 10 rebounds, it excited the team and fans alike. He could follow that up with performance on the opposite end of the spectrum. He shot 0-for-13 against the Charlotte Hornets when he too frequently settled for bad shots. With his athleticism and size, he can easily get to the rim as a slasher.

The best thing for him to do this season is to focus on getting to the rim either off the dribble or off feeds from teammates. He still needs to work on his jump shooting, but the slashing is something he already does well. It would greatly help the team for him to be an offensive threat that he hasn’t been thus far in his career.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

His best bet would be to look at how O.G. Anunoby played within the Raptors’ system last season. Anunoby focused as a defensive star, while developing his offensive game. Johnson has the ability to be the same type of player.