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Detroit News' final 2017-18 Pistons grades

Click through the gallery to see Rod Beard's final Detroit Pistons analysis and grades for the 2017-18 season.
Click through the gallery to see Rod Beard's final Detroit Pistons analysis and grades for the 2017-18 season.
Illustration By Larry O'Connor/Photos By Clarrence Tabb, Associated Press, Getty Images
REGGIE JACKSON -- Grade: C+. Stats: 14.6 pts, 5.3 ast, 31% 3FG in 45 games. Age: 27. Contract: Two years, $35.1 million remaining. A severe ankle injury sidelined Jackson for 37 games and the Pistons folded, going 12-25 in that stretch. His absence spotlighted how important he is to the team's success; adding Blake Griffin provides ball-handling insurance in case of another Jackson injury next season. His 3-point shooting lagged because of the games missed, but if he gets back to anywhere near his early-season form before the injury, it's a plus.
REGGIE JACKSON -- Grade: C+. Stats: 14.6 pts, 5.3 ast, 31% 3FG in 45 games. Age: 27. Contract: Two years, $35.1 million remaining. A severe ankle injury sidelined Jackson for 37 games and the Pistons folded, going 12-25 in that stretch. His absence spotlighted how important he is to the team's success; adding Blake Griffin provides ball-handling insurance in case of another Jackson injury next season. His 3-point shooting lagged because of the games missed, but if he gets back to anywhere near his early-season form before the injury, it's a plus.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
ISH SMITH -- Grade: B-. Stats: 10.9 pts, 4.4 ast., 35% 3FG in 82 games. Age: 29. Contract: One year, $6 million remaining. Put plainly, Smith is very good as a backup point guard; when he’s forced into a long-term starting spot, he isn't as effective on both ends of the court. When he led the reserve group, they gave the Pistons an advantage with their energy and transition offense. Next season is the last of his contract, which could make things interesting. Developing a consistent 3-point shot will be his biggest offseason priority.
ISH SMITH -- Grade: B-. Stats: 10.9 pts, 4.4 ast., 35% 3FG in 82 games. Age: 29. Contract: One year, $6 million remaining. Put plainly, Smith is very good as a backup point guard; when he’s forced into a long-term starting spot, he isn't as effective on both ends of the court. When he led the reserve group, they gave the Pistons an advantage with their energy and transition offense. Next season is the last of his contract, which could make things interesting. Developing a consistent 3-point shot will be his biggest offseason priority.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
REGGIE BULLOCK -- Grade: A. Stats: 11.3 pts, 2.5 rebs, 45% 3FG in 62 games. Age: 27. Contract: One year, $2.5 million remaining. After missing the first five games because of a suspension, Bullock blossomed into the team's biggest surprise, moving into a starting role and finishing second in the league in 3-point shooting. Following the Blake Griffin trade, Bullock moved from small forward to shooting guard and settled into a comfort zone. He's lauded for his versatility and solid fundamentals — and at $2.5 million, he's one of the best contract values in the league.
REGGIE BULLOCK -- Grade: A. Stats: 11.3 pts, 2.5 rebs, 45% 3FG in 62 games. Age: 27. Contract: One year, $2.5 million remaining. After missing the first five games because of a suspension, Bullock blossomed into the team's biggest surprise, moving into a starting role and finishing second in the league in 3-point shooting. Following the Blake Griffin trade, Bullock moved from small forward to shooting guard and settled into a comfort zone. He's lauded for his versatility and solid fundamentals — and at $2.5 million, he's one of the best contract values in the league.
Clarence Tabb, Detroit News
LUKE KENNARD -- Grade: B. Stats: 7.6 pts, 2.4 rebs, 42% 3FG in 73 games. Age: 21. Contract: Three years, $12.4 million remaining. No, he's not Donovan Mitchell, but Kennard had a solid rookie season and became a key contributor off the bench when he found a comfort zone on the offensive end. Van Gundy blasted his defensive skills on draft night, but Kennard got better guarding as the season went on. He's solidly entrenched in their future plans and the offseason key will be improving his core strength and muscle.
LUKE KENNARD -- Grade: B. Stats: 7.6 pts, 2.4 rebs, 42% 3FG in 73 games. Age: 21. Contract: Three years, $12.4 million remaining. No, he's not Donovan Mitchell, but Kennard had a solid rookie season and became a key contributor off the bench when he found a comfort zone on the offensive end. Van Gundy blasted his defensive skills on draft night, but Kennard got better guarding as the season went on. He's solidly entrenched in their future plans and the offseason key will be improving his core strength and muscle.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
LANGSTON GALLOWAY -- Grade: C. Stats: 6.2 pts, 1.6 rebs, 34% 3FG in 58 games. Age: 26. Contract: Two years, $14.3 million remaining. He was signed as a free agent to be a backup shooting guard and an emergency third point guard behind Jackson and Smith, but languished on the bench during the middle of the season after a failed early stint. His big contract leaves his long-term role in question as a combo guard.
LANGSTON GALLOWAY -- Grade: C. Stats: 6.2 pts, 1.6 rebs, 34% 3FG in 58 games. Age: 26. Contract: Two years, $14.3 million remaining. He was signed as a free agent to be a backup shooting guard and an emergency third point guard behind Jackson and Smith, but languished on the bench during the middle of the season after a failed early stint. His big contract leaves his long-term role in question as a combo guard.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
DWIGHT BUYCKS -- Grade: C+. Stats: 7.4 pts, 2 ast, 33% 3FG in 29 games. Age: 29. Contract: One year, $1.6 million remaining (not guaranteed). He started the season on a two-way contract and after Jackson's injury, he converted to a guaranteed contract for the rest of the season. When he got regular playing time, he was a better scoring option, but there were too many lapses with untimely turnovers and lagging defense. When he was playing well, Buycks would have been an intriguing starting option, moving Smith back to the second unit.
DWIGHT BUYCKS -- Grade: C+. Stats: 7.4 pts, 2 ast, 33% 3FG in 29 games. Age: 29. Contract: One year, $1.6 million remaining (not guaranteed). He started the season on a two-way contract and after Jackson's injury, he converted to a guaranteed contract for the rest of the season. When he got regular playing time, he was a better scoring option, but there were too many lapses with untimely turnovers and lagging defense. When he was playing well, Buycks would have been an intriguing starting option, moving Smith back to the second unit.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
JAMEER NELSON -- Grade: D. Stats: 3.7 pts, 3.3 ast, in seven games with Pistons. Age: 36. Contract: Expiring. Van Gundy took a chance on getting another veteran point guard to fill the void after Jackson’s injury — and it didn't quite work out. Nelson played in just seven games and shot an abysmal 7 percent on 3-pointers. The short-term experiment ended with Nelson going back to the bench to finish the season.
JAMEER NELSON -- Grade: D. Stats: 3.7 pts, 3.3 ast, in seven games with Pistons. Age: 36. Contract: Expiring. Van Gundy took a chance on getting another veteran point guard to fill the void after Jackson’s injury — and it didn't quite work out. Nelson played in just seven games and shot an abysmal 7 percent on 3-pointers. The short-term experiment ended with Nelson going back to the bench to finish the season.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
BLAKE GRIFFIN -- Grade: B. Stats: 19.8 pts, 6.6 rebs, 6.3 ast, 35% 3FG in 25 games with Pistons. Age: 29. Contract: Four years, $141.7 million remaining. In about two months, Griffin showed flashes of being the versatile superstar the Pistons coveted in their blockbuster deadline trade. He missed the last eight games because of a bone bruise in his right ankle, lending more to the narrative that he’s injury-prone. Entering the summer healthy and with a full training camp to build chemistry with Jackson and Drummond, Griffin will be a bigger factor next season — provided he can stay healthy.
BLAKE GRIFFIN -- Grade: B. Stats: 19.8 pts, 6.6 rebs, 6.3 ast, 35% 3FG in 25 games with Pistons. Age: 29. Contract: Four years, $141.7 million remaining. In about two months, Griffin showed flashes of being the versatile superstar the Pistons coveted in their blockbuster deadline trade. He missed the last eight games because of a bone bruise in his right ankle, lending more to the narrative that he’s injury-prone. Entering the summer healthy and with a full training camp to build chemistry with Jackson and Drummond, Griffin will be a bigger factor next season — provided he can stay healthy.
Clarence Tabb, Detroit News
STANLEY JOHNSON -- Grade: C-. Stats: 8.7 pts, 3.7 rebs, 29% 3FG in 69 games. Age: 21. Contract: One year, $3.9 million remaining. In his third season, he didn't have the jump in productivity that he needed to establish himself as a key cog. He was a starter to open the season, but then fell behind Bullock, before settling into the role again after Tobias Harris was traded. His 3-point shooting — a critical part of his development arc in the offense — has regressed each year. They'll have a big decision about his future this summer.
STANLEY JOHNSON -- Grade: C-. Stats: 8.7 pts, 3.7 rebs, 29% 3FG in 69 games. Age: 21. Contract: One year, $3.9 million remaining. In his third season, he didn't have the jump in productivity that he needed to establish himself as a key cog. He was a starter to open the season, but then fell behind Bullock, before settling into the role again after Tobias Harris was traded. His 3-point shooting — a critical part of his development arc in the offense — has regressed each year. They'll have a big decision about his future this summer.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
ANTHONY TOLLIVER -- Grade: A. Stats: 8.9 pts, 3.1 rebs, 44% 3FG in 79 games. Age: 32. Contract: Expiring. He was projected as a role player to start the season, but after Ellenson struggled, he stepped in as the backup power forward and flourished. His defensive prowess and experience kept him on the court and he finished on a hot streak, ranking seventh in the league in 3-point percentage. His leadership has been vital, but keeping Tolliver cuts into the development of Ellenson. If they want him back, it'll cost more than the $3.3 million he got this year.
ANTHONY TOLLIVER -- Grade: A. Stats: 8.9 pts, 3.1 rebs, 44% 3FG in 79 games. Age: 32. Contract: Expiring. He was projected as a role player to start the season, but after Ellenson struggled, he stepped in as the backup power forward and flourished. His defensive prowess and experience kept him on the court and he finished on a hot streak, ranking seventh in the league in 3-point percentage. His leadership has been vital, but keeping Tolliver cuts into the development of Ellenson. If they want him back, it'll cost more than the $3.3 million he got this year.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
JAMES ENNIS III -- Grade: C. Stats: 7.5 pts, 2.5 rebs, 30% 3FG in 27 games with the Pistons. Age: 27. Contract: Expiring. Acquired at the deadline after the Griffin trade, Ennis stepped in and was steady as the backup small forward. He was regarded for his defense and was an OK 3-point shooter, but the thinking is the Pistons may have to upgrade at small forward, either through Johnson's improvement or getting another option through trade or free agency.
JAMES ENNIS III -- Grade: C. Stats: 7.5 pts, 2.5 rebs, 30% 3FG in 27 games with the Pistons. Age: 27. Contract: Expiring. Acquired at the deadline after the Griffin trade, Ennis stepped in and was steady as the backup small forward. He was regarded for his defense and was an OK 3-point shooter, but the thinking is the Pistons may have to upgrade at small forward, either through Johnson's improvement or getting another option through trade or free agency.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
HENRY ELLENSON -- Grade: C. Stats: 4 pts, 2.1 rebs, 33% 3FG in 38 games. Age: 21. Contract: Two years, $4.7 million remaining. In his second season, Ellenson made strides with some early playing time, but after he struggled defensively, he was relegated back to the bench behind Tolliver. His likely path forward is as a backup center, but he still needs to get stronger and more consistent to find a niche on the roster.
HENRY ELLENSON -- Grade: C. Stats: 4 pts, 2.1 rebs, 33% 3FG in 38 games. Age: 21. Contract: Two years, $4.7 million remaining. In his second season, Ellenson made strides with some early playing time, but after he struggled defensively, he was relegated back to the bench behind Tolliver. His likely path forward is as a backup center, but he still needs to get stronger and more consistent to find a niche on the roster.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
JON LEUER -- Grade: Incomplete. Stats: 5.4 pts, 4 rebs, in eight games. Age: 28. Contract: Two years, $19.5 million remaining. What started as an ankle sprain was complicated when Leuer had bone fragments in his ankle ligaments. It turned into a season-ending injury that impacted their rotation and sapped their big-man depth. He's still rehabbing and should be at full strength in the summer.
JON LEUER -- Grade: Incomplete. Stats: 5.4 pts, 4 rebs, in eight games. Age: 28. Contract: Two years, $19.5 million remaining. What started as an ankle sprain was complicated when Leuer had bone fragments in his ankle ligaments. It turned into a season-ending injury that impacted their rotation and sapped their big-man depth. He's still rehabbing and should be at full strength in the summer.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
ANDRE DRUMMOND -- Grade: A-. Stats: 15 pts, 16 rebs, 3 ast, 1.5 stls, 1.6 blks in 78 games. Age: 24. Contract: Three years, $81.3 million remaining. His increased maturity showed as Drummond had the best season of his six-year career, improving many of the weak areas of his game. He started the year as an offensive hub, distributing the ball from the perimeter and flirting with triple-doubles with improved passing. His free-throw shooting (61 percent) jumped 22 percentage points and he led the league in rebounding and almost tripled his career-high in assists. A mid-range jump shot could be the next big addition to his repertoire.
ANDRE DRUMMOND -- Grade: A-. Stats: 15 pts, 16 rebs, 3 ast, 1.5 stls, 1.6 blks in 78 games. Age: 24. Contract: Three years, $81.3 million remaining. His increased maturity showed as Drummond had the best season of his six-year career, improving many of the weak areas of his game. He started the year as an offensive hub, distributing the ball from the perimeter and flirting with triple-doubles with improved passing. His free-throw shooting (61 percent) jumped 22 percentage points and he led the league in rebounding and almost tripled his career-high in assists. A mid-range jump shot could be the next big addition to his repertoire.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
ERIC MORELAND -- Grade: B. Stats: 2.1 pts, 4.1 rebs in 67 games. Age: 26. Contract: Two years, $3.7 million (not guaranteed). For a minimum salary, Moreland made the most of his opportunity. He had played in only 11 games total in his two previous seasons; he stepped into a larger backup role and was good, at times. His future isn't certain, as there might be a push to have Leuer and Ellenson play more at backup center, but at worst, he’s made a good highlight tape to show other teams that he belongs in the NBA, not in the development league.
ERIC MORELAND -- Grade: B. Stats: 2.1 pts, 4.1 rebs in 67 games. Age: 26. Contract: Two years, $3.7 million (not guaranteed). For a minimum salary, Moreland made the most of his opportunity. He had played in only 11 games total in his two previous seasons; he stepped into a larger backup role and was good, at times. His future isn't certain, as there might be a push to have Leuer and Ellenson play more at backup center, but at worst, he’s made a good highlight tape to show other teams that he belongs in the NBA, not in the development league.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News
STAN VAN GUNDY – Grades: C as head coach, C as president. HEAD COACH: For the second straight season, Van Gundy had to work around a major Reggie Jackson injury. Ish Smith was the short-term answer, but they couldn't excel in the long term through that. There could have been other options such as Dwight Buycks or Langston Galloway, to move Smith back to the bench. Having Andre Drummond play more on the perimeter was a very good adjustment, but Stanley Johnson didn’t fit in with the starting group. Defensively, their scheme just gives up too many 3-pointers. TEAM PRESIDENT: The 12-25 record without Jackson derailed their season, but not having a plan for another Jackson injury is damning. On paper, the roster is a playoff team, but games aren’t played on paper. Van Gundy will need more diversity of opinion on his coaching staff and in the front office to balance his ideas. Getting Blake Griffin accomplished a longtime goal, but they’ll have to build — with very little wiggle room in the cap or on through trades.
STAN VAN GUNDY – Grades: C as head coach, C as president. HEAD COACH: For the second straight season, Van Gundy had to work around a major Reggie Jackson injury. Ish Smith was the short-term answer, but they couldn't excel in the long term through that. There could have been other options such as Dwight Buycks or Langston Galloway, to move Smith back to the bench. Having Andre Drummond play more on the perimeter was a very good adjustment, but Stanley Johnson didn’t fit in with the starting group. Defensively, their scheme just gives up too many 3-pointers. TEAM PRESIDENT: The 12-25 record without Jackson derailed their season, but not having a plan for another Jackson injury is damning. On paper, the roster is a playoff team, but games aren’t played on paper. Van Gundy will need more diversity of opinion on his coaching staff and in the front office to balance his ideas. Getting Blake Griffin accomplished a longtime goal, but they’ll have to build — with very little wiggle room in the cap or on through trades.
Clarence Tabb Jr., Detroit News