Can new additions provide shooting Detroit Pistons need in 2019-20?

Storyline 3: A new home for Derrick Rose

Although he appeared in just 51 games, there was one thing that stood out the most from Derrick Rose last season: efficiency. Not only was his 48.2 percent accuracy from the field his highest return since the 2009-10 season, hitting at a 37.0 percent clip from long range represented a career-high.

In a career riddled with injury, and having played just 25 games the season prior, converting at such an efficient from beyond the arc, having brought a career 29.6 percent shooting clip heading into last season, was a marked improvement for Rose.

However, he now finds himself in Detroit, his fourth team in four seasons. With his high-flying MVP days well behind him, Rose, similarly to Griffin, has had to redefine his game due to the effects of injury and age.

In particular, it’s from the midrange where Rose excelled last season. Whereas the Pistons shot at a 40 percent clip between 10-19 feet from the rim, with their 35.3 percent clip from 10-14 feet ranking dead last, Rose’s 47.2 percent from this range was outstanding.

Overall, Rose averaged 18.0 points and 4.3 assists in 27.3 minutes per game, with his 23.7 points per 36 minutes the highest return since his 2010-11 MVP season. While his game has changed, it doesn’t mean his quickness off the dribble has gone completely, as can be seen below in the highlight package of his career-50 point performance last season against the Utah Jazz.

At the opening of training camp, senior advisor Ed Stefanski commented on Rose’s likely role:

"“It’s (their depth) has gotten significantly better when you put Derrick Rose in at the point guard position coming off the bench, he can move Reggie Jackson over to the two. Derrick had a terrific year last year….he brings the grit, he brings the grind, he’s been through the wars.”"

Given that he came off the bench in 38 of his 51 appearances last season, and shot at a 49.4 percent clip from the field in the process, Rose’s ability to make an impact in the second unit is clear. That’s not to say extended minutes should be out of the question, with Rose averaging 24.9 points and 5.3 assists in the 16 games in which he played at least 31 minutes last season.

Whether starting or coming off the bench, it’s clear that a fit and firing Rose could be a major boost for the Pistons’ offensive game.