Detroit Pistons: Top 10 moments from 2017-18 NBA season

6. Stanley Johnson vs. LeBron and the Cavs

It wasn’t long ago that Stanley Johnson was tasked with guarding LeBron James in the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs, and for a brief period was even loosely referred to as the “LeBron stopper.” Fast forward to his second year in the league and Johnson showed some significant strides in his development.

Johnson erupted against the Cavs to net a season high and career performance on Jan. 30, notching 26 points and 10 rebounds in 40 minutes of action. Johnson did his best against a familiar foe in James, holding LeBron to 9-of-20 shooting from the field and 2-of-7 from downtown, while also forcing four turnovers. Johnson led his Pistons in scoring and started to show why Stan Van Gundy showed so much trust in Johnson during his rookie campaign.

Heading into a contract year, and playing under a new coaching staff, Johnson will be showcasing his talents in 2018-19. As the NBA evolves into pace-and-space, Johnson’s defensive prowess will be the catalyst for his success. If the young star can improve his shooting, his game should be beneficial for the Pistons for years to come.

Starting in 50 of the 69 games he played in, Johnson is likely to be at the 3-position alongside veterans Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond which should only elevate his development even more. If Johnson is able to take notes and improve around the rim while stretching the floor, there will be little doubt when contract talks begin in the summer of 2019.