Detroit Pistons: 3 goals for Luke Kennard’s success in 2018

2. Become a better facilitator

Kennard isn’t a point guard. However, he does have the ability to run the offense for spurts in time. He turned in only 1.7 assists per game last season. That number needs to reach at least 3.0 this season. Simply from initiating the offense or making the extra pass, he can achieve that. While Jackson and Griffin will be the primary offensive leaders, Kennard can help lead when one or both of them are off the floor.

When looking at the top five teams in assists per game, only the Denver Nuggets failed to make the playoffs. The Pistons ranked 14th. While Casey’s offense should increase their scoring output, effective offensive players have to help lead that charge.

Kennard has the ability to be one of those players. Out on the wing, he will command attention from defenders, which can leave the next guy open. That extra pass is an underrated thing that can win or lose games.

Kennard won’t transform into the next combo guard that can play point guard like James Harden. However, he can at least be a more effective passer than he was last season. As previously mentioned, the team doesn’t need him to be the primary initiator. They do need him to be a passing threat, which makes the entire offense more lethal. If he can pass well, it means that defenses have to be on the lookout for him to spread the ball.