The Pistons shook things up on Sunday by bringing Kevin Huerter off the bench earlier than usual, a move that fans have been eagerly anticipating. With Huerter's arrival from Chicago, there's been a clamor for him to take on more of Caris LeVert's minutes. In a game where Detroit seemed to lack its usual spark, Huerter stood out with his hustle, defensive closeouts, and sharp shooting.
Kevin Huerter's Time to Shine
Since joining the Pistons, Huerter has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the rotation. However, he's been seeing more action lately, averaging 23 minutes over the four games leading up to Sunday's matchup in Toronto. While his shooting hasn't quite clicked yet-hitting just 23% from beyond the arc in Detroit-his all-around contributions have been noteworthy.
Huerter's recent increase in playing time has partly been due to Ausar Thompson's injury, which created an opening on the wing. With Thompson back in the lineup against the Raptors, Huerter's minutes dipped to 14.
Yet, being the first off the bench signals potential for a more significant role moving forward. Consistent minutes could help Huerter find his rhythm, especially as he's expanded his game beyond shooting, showing improvement as a driver, defender, and scorer inside.
The Case for More Huerter, Less LeVert
Despite fan enthusiasm for Huerter, Caris LeVert still logged the most bench minutes for the Pistons on Sunday, totaling 20. Although not the first sub, LeVert found his way into the game, particularly after making his initial shots. However, he struggled in the second half, failing to score and missing his last five attempts.
LeVert's presence on the team has been a hot topic among fans. Some point to coach JB Bickerstaff's history with LeVert from their time with the Cavaliers as a reason for his extended opportunities.
While LeVert is undeniably skilled, his tendency to take ill-advised shots and disrupt offensive flow has been frustrating. His issues with turnovers, efficiency, and inconsistent effort have only fueled the call for Huerter to take on a larger role.
In summary, while LeVert remains a talented player, the Pistons might benefit from giving Huerter more minutes to showcase his evolving game. This shift could not only enhance the team's dynamics but also provide the spark that Detroit fans are longing to see.