Detroit Pistons: 3 goals for Zaza Pachulia in 2018-19

SAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 19 : Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Golden State Warriors arrives with the rest of the team for their game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on April 19 , 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images /

3. Maintain his mid-range shooting

Last season, Pachulia shot over 50 percent from 10-16 feet. While this was in an extremely limited sample size, Pachulia has been above-average for the majority of his career from this distance. Compared to Drummond, this would give the team an aspect it’s lacked on the offensive end. While it would be a surprise for Pachulia to play extended minutes, he would open up space for players like Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin in different lineups.

On only 27 attempts last season, this limited sample could lead to some overreactions. However, in 2014-15, while with the Milwaukee Bucks, he attempted 166 shots from this range, and he managed to make 50 percent of those shots.

The number won’t be that high this season, but he can easily maintain similar production off the bench for the Pistons. Pachulia is tall and crafty at his advanced age. This will help his ability to get off shots from the short to medium range.

Mid-range shooting is a lost art in the NBA. Bigs stretch further from the rim, including Drummond, who has been working on his 3-point shooting this offseason. At his advanced age, Pachulia won’t become a bombing big off the bench from distance, but his mid-range game should last. Pachulia is a solid veteran, and his mid-range efficiency will be a welcome addition to an offense that needs more variation to it.

Home/Detroit Pistons