Pistons Are Struggling With Transition Defense To Start The Year

 

The Detroit Pistons are expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season.

They have a very young roster and are still looking to find their footing in the NBA.

Among many issues they face this season, their transition defense has been brutal.

Just 3 games into the #NBA season but the #Pistons transition defense has……not been good

– 27.3 PPG against (27th), 19.7 last year
– 1.32 PPP against (30th), 1.14 last year

Lots of factors but missed layups, blocked shots, and turnovers are definitely contributing pic.twitter.com/5CeHB6zGKj

— Motor City Hoops (@MotorCityHoops) October 25, 2022

Opposing teams are having no problems getting easy layups and open jump shots against the Pistons.

Averaging 14 turnovers per game makes it hard for your transition defense to have consistent success.

 

A Disastrous Start

Turnovers are killer for any NBA team as more often than not it is an easy bucket for your opponent.

While transition defense is a big issue for Detroit, it is not the only issue.

They struggle at just about everything defensively.

Through three games they are giving up 121.0 points per game which is awful.

It is going to be hard for them to win any games unless that number improves.

One way they can benefit is by playing better perimeter defense.

Forcing their opponents to take tough outside shots will be a great way for Detroit to get consistent stops.

Also, the Pistons seem to foul too much.

They are averaging 23.3 fouls per game, which is a good way to give up easy points at the foul line.

Even though Detroit will not be in contention this year, they must get better defensively.

If they can help their young players improve on that side of the floor they can be very good in a few seasons.

The core of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, and Jalen Duren give the Pistons a bright future.