5 steps to help revitalize the Detroit Pistons

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Stanley Johnson #7 and Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 13: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons brings the ball up court against the Utah Jazz in the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 13, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Jazz beat the Detroit Pistons 110-79. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

3. Empower Luke Kennard

The Pistons aren’t blessed with a ton of young talent, but they do have an interesting young piece in Luke Kennard. It’s time for Detroit to hand over more of the offense to last year’s first round pick.

Kennard was certainly good enough in his rookie season to justify some more playing time. He only averaged 20 minutes per game under Van Gundy, but he was reasonably efficient. A true shooting percentage of 56.0 is a really solid number for a young guard.

The key for Kennard’s development will be taking on a larger role in the Pistons offense. He just didn’t get enough shots under Van Gundy. A 17 usage rate just isn’t good enough for a player with Kennard’s offensive talent.

Whoever takes over in Detroit next season needs to push Kennard into the starting lineup. He should go from 20 to 30 minutes per game. More importantly, he needs to up his usage significantly. That means he should be put in a lot of pick-and-rolls with Blake Griffin. That combination could be Detroit’s clearest path towards offensive success next year.

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