NBA Detroit Pistons

5 Takeaways From Detroit Pistons’ Early-Season Play

5 Takeaways From Detroit Pistons' Early-Season Play

Andre Drummond Detroit Pistons
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The start of the 2014-15 NBA season hasn't been kind to the Detroit Pistons. After eight games, the Pistons sit at 2-6 and have resembled the disappointing teams of seasons past. It is still early, but certain trends are beginning to take form. Here are five takeaways from the Pistons' early-season play.

5. Andre Drummond's Slow Start

Andre Drummond Brandon Jennings Detroit Pistons
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5. Andre Drummond's Slow Start

Andre Drummond Brandon Jennings Detroit Pistons
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Many people expected Andre Drummond to take the next step in his maturation as a player. His involvement with Team USA and the hiring of Stan Van Gundy were two of the main reasons for this idea. However, Drummond's play has been subpar through the first two weeks of the season. It's too early to panic, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on considering his development is critical to the Pistons' long-term success.

4. Greg Monroe Has Been Their Best Player

Greg Monroe Detroit Pistons
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4. Greg Monroe Has Been Their Best Player

Greg Monroe Detroit Pistons
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Greg Monroe missed the first two games of the season due to a suspension. Ever since then he has been the best player for Detroit. Monroe is playing exactly the way you would expect a guy in a contract year to perform -- he's motivated. He is leading the team in scoring and rebounding while shooting over 50 percent from the field.

3. Brandon Jennings' Inconsistent Play

Brandon Jennings Detroit Pistons
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3. Brandon Jennings' Inconsistent Play

Brandon Jennings Detroit Pistons
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Benching Brandon Jennings seemed inevitable after the first couple of games. Stan Van Gundy was going with D.J. Augustin for long stretches in the second halves of games as Jennings struggled. Recently, Jennings has had a couple of outstanding games just to tease the fans enough into thinking he can be that guy on a consistent basis. It's unclear where the rest of the season will go for him because, after all, he's Brandon Jennings.

2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's Shooting Struggles

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
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2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's Shooting Struggles

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
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Part of the dream scenario for Pistons fans this season was that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would bounce back after a rough rookie season. Much like the rest of that dream, this part is looking less than promising. KCP is still struggling to consistently shoot from the outside, which is supposed to be his biggest strength. He needs to start showing signs that he can be a valuable player in this league.

1. Stan Van Gundy is Still Figuring Things Out

Stan Van Gundy Detroit Pistons
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1. Stan Van Gundy is Still Figuring Things Out

Stan Van Gundy Detroit Pistons
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There was a lot of excitement from the Pistons' fanbase when the team hired Stan Van Gundy. He brought credibility and a proven track record that the previous head coaching hires just didn't have. Eight games isn't enough to draw any definite conclusions, but the start to Van Gundy's tenure hasn't been great. He is clearly still figuring out what kind of a team he has; it just would have been nice if he had some idea before the season started.

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