Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin and 5 other surprising players so far

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 18: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on January 18, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Detroit Pistons, Blake Griffin (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Wayne Ellington

Onto an elder statesman who is blowing away expectations, Wayne Ellington has been legitimately good in his return to the Motor City. Fans were somewhat annoyed when the team waived Zhaire Smith to get Ellington back in the fold in the waning days of free agency. They were further perturbed when he earned a spot in the starting lineup over the much younger Svi Mykhailiuk.

At this point it is impossible to deny that Ellington has indeed earned that spot. He is leading the team in 3-point percentage (46.2 percent) and is good for fourth in the league for anyone attempting as many as he is (5.8 per game).

Ellington has been one of the key leaders of this team, something all of the young guys need as losses continue to pile up. He has bene a decent defender in spot situations and is turning himself into a decent trade asset, one of the few older players on the team doing so. As guys like Griffin have seen their trade value plummet at least one of the older guys on the roster is improving his. These are the kind of baby steps the organization needs to continue to add assets in the midst of potentially long rebuild.

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