Pistons: 3 things to watch for against the Rockets in Summer League

What to watch for from the Pistons: 3. Will Saddiq Bey and Sekou Doumbouya replicate their performances?

Saddiq Bey put on a show against the OKC Thunder, scoring in a variety of ways and hitting some tough 3-pointers off the dribble. He’s long been regarded as a good shooter but he showed an extra dimension in his ability to get his own in the Summer League opener. He also led the team with 12 rebounds and is a consistently sturdy defender.

If Bey is able to replicate that performance on a consistent basis in the regular season, the Pistons will be in good shape. If he’s able to improve upon it, by adding perhaps a playmaking element, they’ll be in great shape. Too often he missed easy passing opportunities to set up Cade Cunningham with mismatches in the post, and he’ll need to fight that tunnel-vision going forward.

As for Sekou Doumbouya, he’s a man forever battling for a spot. Time will tell if Trey Lyles was brought to Detroit on a cheap deal in order to usurp Doumbouya’s spot in the rotation, whatever spot that even ends up being. However, he’s going to be hard to move out of the mix if he puts forth defensive showings like the one he had against the OKC Thunder on Sunday.

Doumbouya was a wrecking ball on defense, blowing up possessions and swatting away five blocks, including an early block of a Josh Giddey 3-point attempt. More defense like that will only improve his standing going forward, regardless of what his offensive output looks like.