Detroit Pistons: Worst potential playoff matchups for 2019
By Amaar Burton
4. Charlotte Hornets
The Pistons could very well be the worst team in the NBA when it comes to stopping opposing ball-handlers from penetrating its defense and making plays.
They are middle-of-the-pack for basic defensive statistics like points allowed (112.1 per game) and opponent field goal percentage (46.1 percent), but when you watch a Pistons game, it seems like a parade of blow-by drives leading to layups or kick-outs.
The Hornets are led by one of the NBA’s best at creating off the dribble, All-Star point guard Kemba Walker.
Through 10 games this season, Walker is averaging 28.0 points and 5.8 assists per game. He ranks sixth in the league in scoring and third in field goal attempts. He’s also second behind Stephen Curry in 3-pointers made and attempted.
Kemba Walker finishes with 37 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST for the @hornets in Philadelphia. #Hornets30 #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/emMPLZpu3w
— NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2018
Beyond the numbers, Walker has built a reputation — dating back to his college run at UCONN — as a player who can individually take over a game, particularly in the postseason.
The Hornets aren’t just a one-man show, however. Nicolas Batum, Malik Monk, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams and Miles Bridges are lengthy athletes on the wing who can make things difficult for a Detroit team with a bit of a talent weakness on the wing.
Walker’s backup, meanwhile, is four-time champion and future Hall of Fame point guard Tony Parker, who is certainly well-versed in big playoff moments.