Detroit Pistons: 3 players that need to step up

3. Stanley Johnson

If you’re going to be bad on offense, you need to be good on defense. So far in his career, small forward Stanley Johnson has missed that memo. Things haven’t gotten much better this year.

He currently possesses the worst offensive rating on the team while also being tied for the fourth worst defensive rating. Johnson, barring unforeseen advances, will never be an offensive dynamo, but he needs to be able to pull his weight on defense.

This season, his 3-point percentage continues to rest below the 30 percent mark. He’s also taking more 3-point shots than ever in his career. He’s on pace for over 300 shots from 3-point range, but defenses have no reason to honor his shot.

Essentially, he’s wasting shots due to his extreme shooting struggles. He needs to spend more time cutting toward the basket where his athleticism helps him be successful.

Griffin gives this team a better passer that can hit Johnson with passes on his way to the rim. However, due to coach Casey’s system, Johnson is often shooting from outside.

Until he starts shooting better, Johnson should focus on getting open around the basket and avoid shooting outside.