Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff discusses the development of young players at Media Day
have. So, in what areas, year two for Assar, year three for Assar, year two for Ron Holland, do you want to see growth in those individual players? Uh, I mean, again, that was that was the belief from the top down is you’ve seen certain places take a leap and then panic because they feel like they have to take advantage of that right now. um you know what Tom what Tan and ourselves as coaches you know we believe in the guys that we have and we believe that they’re not finished products so we wanted to give them an opportunity uh and the opportunity to do it together I I think you know it may seemed like something that is you know not thought about but like from where this group of guys started to where they were and finished at the end of last year like that should be a credit to them one but then those guys should see an opportunity to grow it to the next level and I think that’s where you know the trust of our front office you know I mean like the human aspect of it also plays a role um that they do deserve it because they earned it um so that was the most important thing um but you know for the guys you know in their development of SAR like with the ball in his hands he’s a nightmare right so how can we do more things to get the ball in his hands especially in the open floor Can he initiate offense for us? Um, you know, defensively, he’s learning how to pick his spots, you know, where he can be more aggressive, you know, like we need him on the floor. We don’t need him picking up the cheap fouls. Um, you know, Ron, I think, is going to get more opportunity this year. Uh, he’s earned that, you know, with his playing summer league and the work that he’s done uh over this summer. You can see a transformation in his game. um you know, he’s playing, again, maybe a small thing, but like when he has the ball in his hands and he’s in the open court, he’s playing lower to the ground, which leads to less turnovers, quicker decisions. Um you know, he’s got the ability to playmake. Uh and his shooting has come a long way also. So, you know, I think those are a couple areas that’ll stand out to you uh when you’re watching him. But again, like those are the guys, you know, JD, JI, Deuce, all those guys like the younger guys here are going to be the guys that continue to push us forward. Um because it is a really good core to start
Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff addresses the organization’s thinking about allowing their young players to develop after a postseason appearance last season. (Jacob Richman | MLive.com)
