Determining the two starters who will join Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson in the lineup is one of the things to watch for during the Pistons’ training camp, according to Keith Langlois of the team’s website. Stanley Johnson, Reggie Bullock and Luke Kennard are the three major candidates for those two slots. Jon Leuer, Henry Ellenson and Zaza Pachulia will vie for the role of first big man off the bench, though Leuer’s status for training camp is uncertain due to recent knee surgery, Langlois adds.
We have more from around the Central Division:
- Having Griffin as the focal point of their offense for a full season has created optimism around the Pistons franchise, Ansar Khan of MLive writes in his latest player profile. The Pistons had trouble incorporating Griffin into the offense following the blockbuster trade with the Clippers in late January. But he has developed his all-around game and become a better 3-point shooter and passer, Khan continues. New coach Dwane Casey plans on putting the ball in his hands more often, Khan adds.
- Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith was issued a desk ticket for misdemeanor criminal mischief after he allegedly tossed a fan’s cell phone into a construction site on July 26, according to an ESPN story. Smith spoke to police in New York City on Friday about the allegation and he will appear in Manhattan Criminal Court later this year.
- Jim Paxson’s title with the Bulls has been changed from director of basketball operations to director of pro personnel, the team announced in a press release. The Bulls also promoted Brian Hagen to associate GM, Steve Weinman to assistant GM and and Miles Abbett to manager of minor league scouting and analytics.
I wonder if JamesHarden will get anything for doing the same thing as Harden? The woman had to go to the hospital for a wrist injury after Harden took her cell phone.
Make that doing the same thing as J.R.
Doesn’t really sound like a promotion for Paxson
Detroit should start Kennard, Bullock, Johnson, Blake & Drummond. Put Jackson on the bench or trade him, if they can. The guy is no use.
Kennard is not a PG. Will not work!!!
Having Griffin as the focal point of their offense has them optimistic?? Lol.
Really? If he was the focal point of my team’s offense, I’d be worried.
If it isn’t an ally-oop, straight dunk, or free throw, he isn’t scoring. He has no shot.
Isn’t it John Paxson?
Jim is his brother — both work in the Bulls’ front office (John is executive VP of basketball operations).
Yeah I thought Jim was just a consultant.