Sports · Basketball · 2 hrs ago
Pistons Start 3-0 as Robinson and Collins Lead Strong Openings
The Detroit Pistons are 3-0 to start the season.
Duncan Robinson is averaging 19.7 points per game and ranks second on the team in scoring behind Cade Cunningham.
His $16 million salary becomes fully guaranteed on January 10, but the team’s strong start means he is not at risk of losing his roster spot.
John Collins is averaging 15 points and 7.7 rebounds after joining Detroit as its biggest free-agent signing this offseason.
Jalen Duren is expected to miss at least two weeks with a hamstring strain, giving Paul Reed a bigger role in the frontcourt.
Reed is averaging 11 points and 8.3 rebounds, and coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his improvement around the basket.
Ausar Thompson returned after missing a game, while Isaiah Joe missed the Knicks game with a right hip contusion.
The Detroit Pistons are 3-0 to start the season, with Duncan Robinson and John Collins among their leading performers.
Robinson is averaging 19.7 points per game and ranks second on the team in scoring behind Cade Cunningham.
Collins, the team’s biggest free-agent signing this offseason, is averaging 15 points and 7.7 rebounds.
Jalen Duren is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain, increasing Paul Reed’s importance in the frontcourt.
Ausar Thompson returned against the Knicks on Tuesday, while Isaiah Joe missed the game with a right hip contusion.
- Who
- The Detroit Pistons, including Duncan Robinson, John Collins and Paul Reed.
- What
- Detroit opened the season 3-0. Robinson and Collins have made strong starts.
- When
- Through the Pistons’ first three games; Thompson returned against the Knicks on Tuesday.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Robinson and Collins are contributing to the team’s strong start. Duren’s hamstring strain has increased Reed’s role.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ausar Thompson missed the Pistons’ victory at Philadelphia.
Thompson returned to the lineup against the Knicks, while Isaiah Joe missed the game with a right hip contusion.
Duncan Robinson’s salary for the season becomes fully guaranteed.
- Pistons record
- 3-0
- Duncan Robinson
- 19.7 points per game
- John Collins
- 15 points and 7.7 rebounds per game
- Paul Reed
- 11 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game
- Jalen Duren
- Out at least two weeks with a hamstring strain
- Duncan Robinson’s salary
- $16 million; fully guaranteed on January 10
What people are saying
He carries so much weight and so much gravity. The shots that he’s making aren’t always easy shots, so those frustrate defenses as well
His spirit has been unwavering. Every day, he brings the same positive attitude. Team first, just wants to compete and win. He fits right in with our group.
Dunc’s been doing this. He was doing this when he was against us with Miami, and he’s been doing it at a higher level for us
He just kind of hustles and slithers around to keep .balls alive. He’s a great finisher and has played really, really outstanding for them
Posts on X
JB on Paul Reed: “Offensively I think he’s taken huge steps. His ability to finish around the rim in so many different ways … you watch his workouts and he’s working on things he plans on applying to the game.” Said he’s never been around a player who works harder.
Nick Nurse on Paul Reed: “Duren is obviously really difficult to handle on the glass, but Paul is too. … He just kind of hustles and slithers around to keep balls alive. He’s a great finisher and has played really, really outstanding for them.”