The Detroit Pistons' Bench Players Secured Victory Against Lakers, Completing Season Sweep

[@thugwayjoepog8163]

Ron had a sick reverse lefty layup and finished an offensive rebound in a crowd

[@darrenpettway7820]

Paul Reed has that heart we need for a big guy. I like what I'm seeing, we need what he brings.

[@jodygrimmett3745]

1st Listen. What up Ku. Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland have the potential to be our new version of Dennis Rodman and John Sally. Beef Stew is the new Rick Mahorn. Cade and Ivey looking like Chuancey and Rip. Once we find our Bill Laimbeer / Rasheed Wallace...the stretch 4 guy, we'll be ready. Word up.

[@maplebear6527]

Cade, Ivey, Ausar, Stew, Duren should be the line up for now. In the near future I'd like to see Cade, Ausar, Holland, Stew and Duren as the line up with Ivey, Sasser and Bobi coming off the bench to tear it up.

[@greenecarlos93]

@@maplebear6527stew is a center what are u talking about?

[@elblouses128]

Keep complaining about the starting lineup but we don’t have any legit backups who are actually a significant upgrade against other teams’ starters. It’s more about managing minutes than it is about starter vs bench.

[@DarinDiscs]

Malik Beasley > Tim. That’s it. That’s all we want

[@thugwayjoepog8163]

Cade has been more aggressive driving to the basket

[@sb66516]

Cade just got started really. He is starting to be sneaky

[@Catmaster3001]

Cade needs to cut the TOs out down the stretch completely. He needs to consistently get to the FT line. Those two things will get him there.

[@unclesam6972]

True at least he’s playing defense tho

[@derrickbarnes3118]

He can control the turnovers, but getting to the FT line is out of his hands. If the refs don’t blow the whistle, there’s nothing he can do about it.

[@HakeemTheDream616]

Refs won't call the fouls

[@simepoh]

Give tech his credit. Best bench player we have

[@unclesam6972]

Beasley is our best but Fonte is legit 💯

[@Mariomc2-k1j]

Tech is the best efficent from the bench, please give him more minutes

[@Catmaster3001]

Totally right about Paul Reed. Man, I was wrong about him. Well, maybe not wrong, because my complaints were about his poor shot selection and trying to do things on offense that he just shouldnt be doing. Keep him confined to this role and hes an asset.

[@LeeSohlden]

Reed's PER is 20, leads the team. Cade is second at 19.5. (league average 15). Reed's defense won this game. Ku can't see that though - he is too busy pining for Stewart not playing. Reed's 5 assists with no turns, 2 blocks and two steals, is kinda typical for him. He is a stat stuffer. Ok, did not listen long enough. Ku is praising Reed. Good job Ku!

[@user-nu3zi3um6g]

Unfortunately, No changes happening… trajan would look dumb if he benches the “good vets” he’s paying $40 million dollars. Not for rookies + minimum contracts guys

[@pheralanpathfinder4897]

TGJ might not be here after the trade deadline. Beasley also has a contract designed to be traded. In the short run I can see THJ losing minutes but also tend to agree with you about him starting.

[@user-nu3zi3um6g]

​@@pheralanpathfinder4897THJ starting over beasley is unfathomable.. the only logic I think of, is he's paid a lot more.

[@RVK11-lr2no]

We all love Cade but All-NBA is a stretch unless a litany of guys miss the 65 game threshold. That being said, he's putting himself on the map for the casuals/national media and really, this is how you start the conversation for him making future All-NBA squads. Be the driving force for your team's resurgence, make All-Star squads and when the Pistons become playoff mainstays, people will have no choice but to mention Cade in those All-NBA discussions

[@DylanWolfram14]

What a game!! We are so back up!

[@marcorolo4726]

Ron Holland doing what i said has him looking much better. Stop jacking threes. Drive it to the basket and cut. Ausar should be doing the same thing. The shooting can come next year or even later

[@MikeyP123]

Ausar and holland playing consistent minutes together is a recipe for disaster on the offensive end. What other NBA team is playing 2 non shooting wings together?

[@TWKozak-hs9bo]

I'm happily retired and stress-free/ Life is good because I leave the driving to the professionals. I sit back and enjoy watching the Pistons. I don't play fantasy coach or GM. Beats the hell out of watching the Red Wings. Merry Christmas Pistons fans.

[@Just_a_Reflection]

Ausar and Holland are the modern era Rodman and Spider Salley. If we had an efficient shooting stretch 5 who can defend the pick-and-roll, we could redefine what a death lineup means by switching everything on defense and terrorizing the perimeter. But Ivey has to use his athleticism on defense, too...

[@cliffcleans]

Myles Turner gotta be our priority in offseason

[@gtzentertainmentz9715]

What about Bobby ?

[@Just_a_Reflection]

@gtzentertainmentz9715 We haven't gotten to see him yet, but I believe that he can be really good, too. But we see that Ausar and Holland are young, athletic defensive dawgs.

[@Just_a_Reflection]

@cliffcleans He is only a scorer, and he is ball dominant. I don't see him fitting with Cade and JI.

[@AndrewPolander]

P.Reed was really good last year when Embid was out...he's only 25 and it's about time JB noticed the guy can play!!

[@HakeemTheDream616]

This is only the beginning for Cade he has some big things instore for the future. I'm more looking into Iveys development, because we already know what Cade brings to the table I just hope Ivey can take that big leap along with Cade it'll be huge for us to get the backcourt we envisioned for them.

[@AndrewPolander]

The biggest question moving forward is Tobias...it's just not happening!

[@scottwickett1273]

We tried to warn everyone that it was a stupid and terrible and maddening waste of that cap space.

[@AndrewPolander]

@@scottwickett1273 You may be right on that one!

[@empidonaxdvg]

If you bench THJ and start Ausar without swapping Duren, you lose spacing. Is that worth it? Seriously asking.

[@ShakirSmith-q4y]

Man we ain’t supposed to win anyway they are getting developed like they supposed to so let them develop yall want a quick fix

[@scottwickett1273]

Merry Christmas everyone.

[@Blingb87]

I like Holland more then Assur.the issue with giving them more minutes as it extends the lineup without shooters

[@pheralanpathfinder4897]

What does Ron do better than Ausar?

[@kingloon-m4m]

​@@pheralanpathfinder4897ron is better on offense driving to the basket finish around the rim and tbh looks like ron has more heart energy if he become a good shooter he a all star type player asur kan be that to but at this moment Holland is better

[@pheralanpathfinder4897]

@@kingloon-m4m I don't see Ron doing those things better than Ausar was last year. But it's hard to guess if Ausar will get back to 100%. Hopefully they both become good enough at shooting to play together someday.

[@superkoopa6202]

even thj shows up sometimes but harris has just been fumbling wide open shots and have no playmaking, no defense no rebounds. what does he even do

[@joust182]

Here is my top 10 most well rounded players of the season. 1. Nikola Jokic - far above all over last 5 seasons 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo - i have no idea how to say that last name 3. Luka Doncic - my fav player to watch 4. Cade Cunningham- virtual tie with Lebron - edges him based on head-to-head tie breaker and it's my list :) 5. LeBron James - the goat 6. Domantas Sabonis - lower assists drops him 7. Jayson Tatum - lower assists drops him 8. LaMelo Ball - lower rebounds drops him 9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - fairly well rounded, defense+ppg bumps him up. 10. Anthony Davis - low assists hurt him but defense squeaks him in top 10 Honorable Mentions: Trae Young: Elite scorer and assist master, with lower rebounds. Victor Wembanyama: super star barely missed top 10 on low assists Damian Lillard: Clutch performer, lower rebounds. James Harden: Outstanding playmaker, defense could be better.

[@FC-hr4ww]

Reed looks solid, but how good will he be against full time starters in the league? If Reed is killing Duren in practice he’s worth a shot, but don’t think coaches and mgt giving up in Duren just yet. However if Reed IS killing Duren in practice he’s deserves a shot at starting and changing it up.

[@rjjaxx9135]

We playing this good without stew can’t wait til he get back with his defense! I don’t think Duren can spell his last name cus it has a “D”in it “pause” smh!

[@clarencespears9372]

Tobias gotta play better or play less rt I want all are players to succeed he seem like a good vet as a leader but he having a horrible season so far

[@Catmaster3001]

Tobias might be washed. I like the guy, but he hasnt done anything this year.

[@pheralanpathfinder4897]

Or last year. His age related decline was talked about by some of us. But he is a healthy veteran unlike Bojan.

[@pheralanpathfinder4897]

All Star spot is likely this year, but All NBA is a long shot. Cade needs more ppg as well as better efficiency. He probably needs to take another step forward next season to get serious consideration for All NBA. Old guys usually get accolades even after they start declining. You g guys often need something crazy to happen or have multiple All Star appearances. Winning a playoff series or at least a playoff game would help since his analytics are on the edge.

[@Babrone]

Cade is awesome but needs to stop with the hero ball sometimes. At the end of the game, he threw up a poor shot when he was obviously tired. I would have much preferred Ivey take the last shot by driving to the basket, he has been very good this year finishing and is a much better penetrator than Cade. Too many times tonight Cade turned into Melo and just dribbled way too much and put up a bad shot instead of trusting a teammate, hence 9 of 25. He is the best player on the team but in that situation and several others he should have let someone else touch the ball, his best skill is not as an iso scorer.

[@elblouses128]

AD is everything for the Lakers D. When he was out, Pistons crushed them. That has more to do with the on/off rates than anything.

[@Rizzymsn01]

Duran is still young

[@AndrewPolander]

Ausar absolutely should start! Plus Holland needs more minutes!!!!!

[@jaquin92]

That's want you want is a strong bench

[@sup3rsoy]

Tobias can go to the bench. Dude is terrible.

[@tehrag.1138]

FACTS 💯💯💯

[@rjjaxx9135]

Super terrible 6pts, ONE REBOUND ONE?!? Omg 6pts is atrocious but 6”9/6”10 in height ONE REBOUND?!? Like he’s a real life space jam character it’s like his talent got took away from him smh he’s HORRIBLE and the worst part is that he’s been playing like 💩 all year!!!

[@torchlord11]

Sure you can continue to trot the starting lineup out if you don't want to lose your pick this year.

[@scottwickett1273]

Narrator: and Langdon definitely does not want to lose the pick this year!

[@Blingb87]

And Assur picking up stupid fouls in the minutes he playing..what u think about Simon starting at the 3

[@AndrewPolander]

Bench was great...A Simone sighting.!..P.Reed...needs consistent time!

[@ChefNikuman]

Merry Christmas Ku, and thank you to the Pistons for the gift of another Lakers L.

[@RicardoLandinginJr]

Is Beasley trying to get 6th man ?

[@tmcelvene97]

Poor “Point of attack defense”? I know what your saying but it’s putting lipstick on a pig m that’s poor defense period sheesh You can say it, we see it 20:08

[@jamesbond1586]

You still want that blow up that you were clamoring for a few days ago?

[@alton0802]

Ku. Don’t overlook how amazing Ivey has played the last 2 games and still not fully healthy.

[@gcburns4]

Cade is borderline all-star for sure, but it's pretty easy to see a scenario he won't be an all-star. 6 guards, Lillard, Mitchell, Brunson, Lamello, J. Brown, Trae. Trae is by far and away leading league in assists and has the pedigree and better team. He's not efficient, neither is Cade though

[@Rain-y9y]

Sneakily we don't want Cade to make All-NBA this year as that would balloon his extension to a supermax which would bring his 5-year $224M deal to almost $270M and eat into our cap space over the next couple of years. I don't think we'll have to worry unless a bunch of guys ahead of him don't hit the minimum game threshold or the Pistons take some huge leap to the 4th or 5th seed or something like that. Indy was a much better team and while Hali is cheeks this year, his TS% and A/TO ratio last year were on another level from Cade's this season, especially pre-injury. 60.5% TS and 11 assists to 2.3 TO's is ridiculous. Cade's still got some work to do there.

[@AndrewPolander]

The NETS want to LOSE...LOTS of games! Got my eyes on Dorian Finney Smith...He is only under contract for 2 more years...which means this off-season his contract will be an expiring one. JB likes vets..he can add a 3 point element we need and defense on the perimeter. He seems like a nice realistic addition on the margins at the deadline! Especially with Tobias struggling! The price for him may just be a couple of 2's or so...certainly not a number 1!

[@scottwickett1273]

If I'm them I want a first.

[@AndrewPolander]

@@scottwickett1273 NO WAY he they a 1st because of his age and contract!

[@scottwickett1273]

​@@AndrewPolander He can help a contender, that might be worth a late first.

[@Blingb87]

They can't shoot. That's a problem Ron and holland

[@thugwayjoepog8163]

14 wins to 8th seed or higher = All NBA MotorCade

[@scottwickett1273]

They're not making the playoffs, if only because Langdon will not let that happen: he's not THAT stupid, c'mon.

[@thugwayjoepog8163]

@scottwickett1273 Mele Kalikimaka 🧌

[@jeramibanks3276]

Duren did ok last night, he's young and still developing. PATIENCE! Benching Duren would be a mistake for many of reasons.

[@scottwickett1273]

What exactly are those reasons?

[@jeramibanks3276]

@@scottwickett1273 We are not seriously contending for a championship, so every second he plays against superior opponents, will make him overall better in the future. He is really young and it is too soon to give up on him. If the goal is to trade him in the near future, then pulling him from the starting position will send a clear message to the other teams that they can low ball his trade value. The same applies with Stewart. If we make Stewart a starter and he struggles, there goes his trade value. We should at least wait until after the trade deadline and the deals are done.

[@scottwickett1273]

​@@jeramibanks3276 I don't agree that it's too soon to give up on him, but he's awesome for tanking so this is all fine for now.

[@jeramibanks3276]

@@scottwickett1273 Ok, I still have hope.

[@classic76]

All NBA? Pistons need to be decently above .500. Turn down the turnovers. He'd make 3rd team.

[@thugwayjoepog8163]

Sneaky is absurd, he's all nba consideration for sure

[@rjjaxx9135]

We can’t let Malik Beasley leave like he leaves every team he’s on for some reason!!! Extend him NOWWW!!!

[@scottwickett1273]

If he wants to leave, they can't stop him.

[@darylsheard]

Reminder: July 12th Ashton The Trainer said on YOUR podcast Ku, that the Pistons will be 6th seed. It looks very possible…

[@scottwickett1273]

No it doesn't, Lol. Langdon wouldn't let that happen, he's not that dumb.

[@cliffcleans]

Paul Reed going back to third string and out of the rotation is MALPRACTICE!! This is sports man-the politics of managing egos is how you fail as an organization. Paul Reed is arguably your best center. Play him. He’s 25 years old. End the Duren nightmare. He’s moody and unreliable. Thad’s not something you develop-you grow a pair of balls and cut bait. The end!

[@Scott23-q4b]

Ron definitely better than Ausar and if any change in the starting lineup were to happen it should be Ron getting that nod or Tek but no change should happen anyway The bench is providing that spark like a good bench should no need to mess that up also J.I leads the team in steals per game this year and has been great on that end thus far Ku really hates 23 smh

[@scottwickett1273]

Ivey has been quite poor on defense, what you're saying here isn't true.

[@alton0802]

The whole starting lineup needs to play better defense even Cade. Ausar is not ready to start. You’re right they can’t keep starting slow. I’d rather bad defense that tries than multiple turnovers on offense on top of not being able to make a shot.

[@scottwickett1273]

I'm the exact opposite, I want the defense to not suck against starters. Cade being the best defender in the starting lineup is awesome for tanking, if nothing else!

[@TMC4589]

Put Sasser in the game!!!

[@darwinmosley4890]

No diss but trashing Duren is a crime , he’s improved in closing down of jump shooting centers , he rebounding on an elite level and he’s shot blocking. Now Tobias is a minus on the boards and on defense .

[@scottwickett1273]

Duren is terrible, I don't know where you're getting this from.

[@bigteflon9441]

Tim Hardaway is one of the better three-point shooters I like a Thompson starting, but he can’t shoot

[@AndrewPolander]

Starting THJ doesn't make any sense in terms of developing your future!

[@scottwickett1273]

I mean, it's basically the same as starting Beasley, just better for tanking. So, it's perfect.

[@AndrewPolander]

@@scottwickett1273 The Pistons will be a bottom 8/9team..don't worry! They just won't be a bottom 7 team...they'll win too many..upper 20's probably!

[@scottwickett1273]

@@AndrewPolander 7 is still within reach, the Sixers will probably move up. Aim higher (or lower, I guess).

[@dahnic69]

Damn its funny how Ca e Cunningham is absolved from playing point of attack defense. WTF? Ca e Ball is losing Basketball. Pistons don't play team Ball. They are forced to play Ca e Ball. And what is Ca e Ball? On 3... Its losing Basketball! Tobias won't look good playing alongside Ca e Cunningham selfish ass. Neither will Jalen Duren. How does your franchise Center avg only 4-5 shots per game, while Ca e Cunningham is free to chuck up 25 shots to score 20pts? 🤷🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️