The Pistons have until the end of training camp to reach rookie scale extensions with two key players, guard Jaden Ivey and center Jalen Duren. President of basketball operations Trajan Langdon didn’t tip his hand during Monday’s media day regarding those talks, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press tweets.
“We’re excited they’re both members of the Pistons,” Langdon said. “They will have huge roles … whether or not we get deals done, I don’t know if that happens.”
If they don’t sign extensions, Ivey and Duren will be restricted free agents next summer.
Here’s more on the Pistons:
- Other than the sign-and-trade for Duncan Robinson and the signing of free agent Caris LeVert, the Pistons didn’t make any major moves. Langdon made some calls this offseason but ultimately wanted to see what they have with their young core, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic tweets.
- Ron Holland appeared in 81 regular season games last season, averaging 15.6 minutes in those contests. He could see even more playing time this season, as coach J.B. Bickerstaff was impressed with the work Holland put in this offseason, Patterson tweets.
- While Ivey and franchise player Cade Cunningham will often have the ball in their hands, Ausar Thompson could initiate the offense more this season. “Ausar with the ball in his hands, he’s a nightmare,” Bickerstaff said, per Sankofa (Twitter link). “We look at how can we get the ball in his hands more, especially in the open floor.”
- Isaiah Stewart was only able to play in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Knicks due to right knee inflammation. He believes he could have made a big difference. “It was frustrating, definitely frustrating. I felt if I played, the series would have turned out different and (we) would have been able to advance,” he said, per Sankofa (video link). Had the series gone to a seventh game, he would have tried to play.
- As for this season, Stewart plans to take more shots from beyond the arc. He attempted 175 three-pointers in 2023/24 but only 53 last season. “Two seasons ago I shot almost 40% from the three,” he said, per Sankofa (Twitter link). “It’s a weapon, especially when we play certain teams and different coverages. I look forward to bringing that back.”
- Are there any players on the roster who could work their way into the All-Star conversation besides Cunningham? Ivey and Thompson are the two players to watch, given that Ivey could have a bigger offensive role and Thompson contributes in so many ways, Sankofa opines.
Isiah Stewart thinks he was the X factor that would’ve gotten them over the Knicks? A little thick headed
Yeah, who is he kidding?
What’s he supposed to say?
“I’m not very good at my job, so it makes no difference if I play or not. Frankly, I’m not sure why I’m on the team or in the league, but I like money, so hopefully the Pistons keep treating me like a charity case and send the checks.”
Would that be better?
ashlandateam:
There’s an in between from the thing he said and the nonsense you are saying. I mean a lot of guys just say I wish I could’ve been out there to help the team. Not if I was out there I think we would’ve advanced, like he was the missing piece. Give me a break.
He could’ve said anything that didn’t make him look like a jack@$$
People sleep on Stewart that aren’t watching the Pistons play. He was low-key one of the best rim protectors in the league this past season, even though he wasn’t playing starter minutes.
Source: check the analytics, it takes less than 3 minutes.
DeetroitTechno:
So I’m just personally saying that him playing wasn’t going to the difference between the Pistons advancing against the Knicks. That’s a silly remark.
My guess is the greatest athletes in the world who compete with one another believe a lot of things you and I would think are silly. If Stewart didn’t think he was a difference maker, he wouldn’t have gotten to this point in his life. Every guy at this level has been way more right than wrong when it comes to having irrational confidence in themselves.
I doubt he would have been the thing that beat the Knicks. But I also doubt that his comment isn’t something that virtually any NBA player would think about himself.
ashlandateam:
Yeah, I’m sure most athletes have that level of great confidence in themselves. Sometimes that confidence is warranted. In this case, I would say not. Good player. Not the difference maker in the series, as you said yourself.
Point is there is a HUGGGGE gap between the Knicks and the Pistons and Isiah Stewart doesn’t even come close to closing that gap. Maybe him and Giannis and Luka could’ve closed the gap
Tobias Harris, Ivey, Paul Reed plus a 1st for starting C and a better starting SG. 22-24 years of age
Duren, Stewart and Smith to PF.
Pistons growing up. They added some good pieces. Really want to see how Ivey looks. And how he fits with Cade. After Cade having a breakout year.
Ron Holland is a talent still developing. Has shown his upside and size. Pistons have gone slow with him. Warriors should be watching to learn. He looks like a player, still young 21. Imo Pistons still need another C. Duren is only true one. Pistons can be a top 4 team in East. Cade is big time. To be a true contender. Their young guys Thompson, Ivey, Duren, Holland will have to have good years.
What’s with your Warriors obsession?