RealGM

It's true so far, but I find it funny.

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/04/detroit-pistons-shooting/76788178/

Detroit’s starters outscore opponents by 6.6 points per 100 possessions, better than all but five teams. Those teams, incidentally, are elite: the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and the surprising Indiana Pacers.

We will be getting Jennings and Meeks back too, they're no slouches

When all 5 of our starters are playing together we shoot 39% from three. if that means anything.

They also have the 2nd best DRtg of any starting lineups (1st is Utah's starters), and 7th best ORtg (behind LAC, Portland, Dallas, GSW, Charlotte, NYK)

Our bench is a different story, and that seems to be most of our issue with shooting

The Pistons bench is so bad it's dragging the entire team down. If they had even a middle of the pack bench, they would have at least 4 less losses right now. The bench may be historically bad. Jennings is going to be such a huge boost to the bench and the players who need a creator it's not even funny.

I'll say it right now and absolutely mean it.

If Jennings comes back and is even 80% of the player he used to be the Pistons will have a ton of winning streaks separated by one, or two losses to finish out the season. Win 5 lose 1. Win 8 lose 2. E.t.c.

Our bench is a damn dumpster fire right now. Last in production by alot even separated by the 29th worst bench by more then 4ppg. That's just insane.

In terms of true shooting percentage the bench is definitely a significant part of the problem but not the only one.

KCP has been absolute TRASH in terms of scoring efficiency so far. A TS% of 48.2 percent is absolutely disgraceful for a starting guard in this league. To be perfectly frank, he could be a DPOY level defensive player and I'd still have misgivings about him as a starting level player on a good team with that terrible efficiency. And no, that's not me selling the importance of defense short. His offense really has been THAT bad.

Even guys like Thabo Sefalosha and Tony Allen (guys who started on good teams despite limited offensive games) managed better efficiency. And they were clear 5th options on teams with players who could cover their deficiencies. Pope is supposed to be our THIRD option here!

Morris and even Drummond have only been marginally better since free throw shooting is rightfully taken into account in the statistic.

Jackson has been acceptable but not great, and Ilyasova really stands out as our only particularly efficient player.

Our starters at least do other things well, but improvement is needed across the board in the scoring efficiency department or we probably can't make the playoffs in the suddenly tougher eastern conference.

I really do fear that we're putting too much stock into the return of Jennings. He may never be right again.

A big part of Jennings making a successful comeback will be in how he adjusts his game to his recovery and the team's needs. It's doubtful he's anywhere near as explosive this year, but can he/will he play a floor game that helps the team? If he'll just concern himself with getting the ball to where it needs go and taking good shots, he likely can be a help.

The best shooter on the team is out (Meeks) and Jennings being out hurts too. When they're healthy, they should help

Reggie Jackson (37%) and Ersan Ilyasova (41%) are the only Pistons shooting above average from three. Marcus Morris and KCP both shooting a bunch but are struggling mightily. Marcus in particular was a 36-38% 3pt shooter the last couple years in Phoenix but is shooting 28%!! I'm wondering if fatigue is playing a role as both of these guys are playing more minutes than they are used to. Or maybe Hoopla screwed with their shots? Thoughts?

it was no secret this team isn't very good. Having no bench and no shooting are crucial for even getting into the playoffs. looks like another lottery season