Unless you’re a diehard fan, can you remember the last time you really rooted for the Detroit Pistons?
It’s been a while since the team really broke through its devoted fanbase.
Last season, for example, the team ended up as the 14th seed in the East with a painful 23-59 record.
And while it might be a long time before they’re towards the top of the East again, they might be giving you reasons to watch in the upcoming season.
ROOK to ROOK
Jaden Ivey & Jalen Duren link up for an alley-oop on their first play in the #NBA2K23SummerLeague on ESPN pic.twitter.com/TbgcBPB4Lt
— NBA (@NBA) July 8, 2022
In fact, those watching the Summer League on Thursday night saw the Pistons having a pretty good night against the Portland Trail Blazers, thanks in large part to their pair of rookies: Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.
There has been a decent amount of hype behind both of these players, especially Ivey, and they’re showing why.
They played marvelously together and worked as a cohesive unit, leading to a 81-78 win over the Blazers.
Jalen & Jaden
Duren is just 18 years old and will be the NBA’s youngest player next season.
Despite this, he kept up with the older players on Thursday night and put up nine points and two blocks.
He was also a great passer and rim protector and is also physically intimidating at 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds.
Meanwhile, Ivey was the team’s standout, as he should be since he was the number five pick in last month’s draft.
Ivey was good for 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Together, these two looked like a new duo that could cause serious trouble for their opponents in the months ahead.
It remains to be seen how much these two will help the Pistons because the team has to correct a lot to be truly competitive.
NEXT: Jaden Ivey Proves He Is A Great Fit In Detroit With Latest Tweet