3 Questions to tip-off: Expert weighs in on OKC Thunder vs. Pistons

TIP3 – Site expert offers insight into OKC Thunder preview versus the Detroit Pistons.

TIP3 means Thunderous Intentions Preview of three burning questions for the opposing team’s  expert. In turn the expert provides the inside scoop prior to tip-off. Lending his insight for the Detroit Pistons David Fernandez Writer for Detroit Bad Boys and 16 Wins a Ring, Host of Inside The Cylinder.

Fernandez checks in:

In our new TIP3 column we ask an expert about the  opposition to share their knowledge. Our appreciation goes out to David Fernandez for jumping in under short notice and offering some hot takes. Fernandez answered specific questions on Avery Bradley, Andre Drummond, Tobias Harris and the Pistons revamped offense.

Plus we get Fernandez pick for who wins the game between the OKC Thunder and Detroit Pistons. Without further adieu – welcome to TIP 3:

TI Q1 – The Bradley Principle:

While the Celtics continue to dominate there isn’t much blow back over the loss of Avery Bradley. The talented guard is known to be a solid locker room presence and terrific two-way contributor on the court.  Perhaps when the Celtics hit a rough patch (or their schedule gets more difficult) this question will gain traction. In the interim – its clear Bradley has added value on many fronts in Detroit.

From your perspective what aspect of Bradley’s tools is the most valuable? Is it his ability to open up the court, his defense, or his value as a leader? Also, in terms of Bradley’s leadership is he now the key voice in the locker room?

Fernandez opines on Bradley:

Bradley’s value is greater than the sum of his skills. He certainly leads by example with energy and effort, and is that menacing on-ball-hawk he’s known to be, but I’ve been most impressed with his well-rounded offensive arsenal. The Pistons have utilized Bradley in a variety of ways; when spotting up he ranks in the 83rd percentile, in the pick ‘n roll he’s in the 92nd percentile, cutting to the hoop he’s in the 84th percentile.

Bradley’s averaging a career high 17.3 points per game, while shooting 44% from three and boasting a 52% effective field goal percentage. I knew the Pistons were getting an upgrade from KCP when they traded for Bradley’s services, but wasn’t expecting this efficient of an offensive product.

In terms of leadership, Bradley  is more of a lead by example type of player. This team still looks to Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond as the voice of the team, and rely on their play to close out games.

TI Q2 – Drummond or Harris who gets the nod?

Andre Drummond didn’t just improve his game this past summer he seemingly revamped it.  His free throw shot obviously got an overhaul. But I’m more interested in his improved ball handling and the new focus on shots 6 feet and out.  Likewise, Tobias Harris has been a revelation.

Which do you think is more likely to make the All-Star Game and what are the odds one of them wins Most Improved Player?

Fernandez All-Star or Most Improve Player selection :

No one in Detroit thought Drummond and Harris would get off to such a scorching hot start, and while Harris is averaging a career high in points per game, and three point shooting, I’ll have to give the edge to Drummond.

He’s the league leader in rebounding, started off the season grabbing 12+ boards in his first 16 games (first ever to accomplish that feat), and is chipping in a career high 3.4 assists per game. Drummond has transformed his game in totality, not just the free throws, the offense now runs through Drummond and he’s relied upon to find others in favorable spots. For that reason, and his insane 23% bump from the charity stripe, Dre should also be considered for MIP honors.

TI Q3 -Pistons starting unit struggles- who comes out on top?

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Detroit’s starting unit isn’t exactly jiving. As per John Schuhmann the Pistons starters are getting outscored by almost 12 points per 100 possessions with only the Kings starting 5 worse (I’ll add in his exact comments via a quote).

Is this a chemistry situation? And, what do you think Stan Van Gundy needs to tweak in order to get those five producing on the same level as the other lineup iterations?

Fernandez on starter struggles and game prediction:

Detroit has consistently fallen behind the 8-ball early in the first quarter. I don’t believe it’s as much a line-up issue, as it is Detroit getting off to a slow start. They’ve lost the first quarter in over half of their games this season, with the starting unit being the group to blame.

One area I’d like to see Detroit improve upon, is looking to get Reggie Jackson going earlier in the game. Time after time Jackson’s number hasn’t been called off the jump, Stan Van Gundy consistently looks to get Harris and Bradley cookin’ early, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but dialing up some plays for Jackson should benefit this group early in games.

Finally, this match has the makings for a major battle. Who gets the victory and by how much?

Detroit has lost three of their last four games, including an embarrassing 28 point loss to the Cavs

on Monday. With the Pistons in a bit of a slump, and the Thunder coming off an emotional win against the Warriors, I’d expect the Thunder to take this one 109-103.

Next: Game Day Preview - Thunder vs Pistons

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