Pistons vs. Bucks: Detroit begins new era tonight

The Detroit Pistons kick off 2018 NBA Summer League tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks. Technically, it is the beginning of a new era, with Dwane Casey leading the sidelines and Ed Stefanski in charge of the front office.

Game time is 7 p.m. on NBATV.

The Pistons will be without promising second-year guard Luke Kennard, who is out as a precaution after a knee strain. The team, however, will feature Stefanski’s first two draft picks — Khyri Thomas and Bruce Brown. Both are a pair of dynamic and athletic guards with a nose for defense and a promising offensive talents. The duo were taken in the second round. The team also features former Oakland product Max Hooper who has an awesome name and will probably shoot some 3s.

Also featured are incumbent Pistons Henry Ellenson, with a lot to prove as a third-year player, and Reggie Hearn, who had a sip of coffee with the Pistons last season.

The Bucks will feature DJ Wilson and Sterling Brown. The team will likely be without first-round pick Donte DiVincenzo, who might sit out with an injury.

Summer League is mostly useless, especially without a first-round pick to keep an eye on. However, Ellenson not dominating would be worrisome, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of system Detroit runs (as much as you can tell that in the helter skelter summer league). Casey has promised more 3s and more shots at the rim, and the players the org has added fit that bill while also upping the athleticism and defense quotient significantly.