Detroit Pistons: 3 goals for Stanley Johnson in 2018-19

1. Becoming a positive on offense

For his career, Johnson has yet to grade out better than a bench player-level of production on offense. His work at the rim is impressive, but his lack of shooting from anywhere else allows defenders to sag off of him. This clogs spacing for players like Jackson, Drummond and Griffin to work inside. His athleticism is helpful, particularly with slashing, but it doesn’t make up for his other weaknesses.

Griffin and Jackson will be leading the charge on offense this season. While Johnson can defer to them on that end, he needs to present a threat to take some of the heat. He lacks the ability to create for himself or others, which he needs to work on. His fast break offense should be a strength of his, but he is unable to create for others and will force up a bad shot before passing.

This season, he needs to improve on his career assist average of 1.5 per game. That can be as simple as making the extra pass or using his vision to find someone with a better shot. Again, the team doesn’t expect him to carry the load on the offensive end. However, they do need him to be at least playable.

With additional players at his position, such as Reggie Bullock and recent addition Glenn Robinson III, Johnson is officially on notice. 2018-19 needs to be his year.