By Dan Savage
July 2, 2016
ORLANDO – The Pistons are off to a perfect start in 2016 Southwest Airlines Pro Summer League action.
Detroit was able to see both growth from its young veterans and flashes of potential from its prized picks in a commanding 81-49 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday.
Stanley Johnson led the Pistons with 15 points to go along with eight rebounds as Detroit won every single quarter of the contest.
“It might have been the first time we’ve done it, since we’ve been here in Detroit,” Pistons Summer League Head Coach Bob Beyer explained. “I was just really proud of the guys, everyone that got out there made positive contributions.”
While Johnson’s jumper was still inconsistent, he showed growth from all the hard work he’s put in this offseason, displaying a higher release as well as finishing with his left hand at the rim.
“The work that I’ve done this summer already, once I’m really finished working on everything, I’ll be able to score from all three levels very efficiently,” Johnson said.
It’s all part of his continued growth as he continues to mature and develop from his rookie campaign.
“Last year I felt like I was in elementary school and this year I feel like I’m a senior in high school,” Johnson explained.
Lorenzo Brown was also a key contributor for Detroit, going 6-for-10 from the floor on his way to 12 points.
“(He) played really, really well,” Beyer said. “He got us into offense, he controlled the ball, he controlled the tempo and he did it at the defensive end too.”
Rookie Michael Gbinije, who the Pistons drafted 49th overall, notched 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Henry Ellenson, the No. 18 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, struggled from the floor knocking down just four of his 13 shots. But he was 2-for-5 from long distance recording 12 points and eight boards.
“Like a lot of the rookies, a little nervous at first, he settled down,” Beyer said. “He’s very, very skilled, he moves the ball and I think he’s the perfect type player for the way coach (Stan) Van Gundy wants to play.”
DaJuan Summers paced the Knicks with 12 points.
Notable 2016 undrafted free agents Ron Baker and Marshall Plumlee struggled, going a combined 4-for-17 and managing just eight points.
