Ebuka Okorie, Detroits Pistons Summer LEague Takeaways

Las Vegas, NV – Physicality was the name of the game for the Detroit Pistons and Ebuka Okorie all week at summer league. And against the Phoenix Suns the challenge reached a peak with players like Koa Peat, Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluack putting pressure on the paint offensively.

But their defense was flying around causing troubles for the Pistons who could never establish offensive rhythm in the first half.

Chaz Lanier who was a literal flamethrower from deep for most of the week didn’t score until a free throw at the 4:44 mark of the 2nd quarter, and a three 3:22 left in the half.

But as everyone knows in sports, it’s not how you start but how you finish. Lanier’s points along with a flurry from Okorie spurred the Pistons on a run in the lat 3 minutes of the half. They closed the Suns lead from double digits to just 7.

Okorie scored 8 points before the fist intermission despite what seemed like increased attention from the defense.

Second Half Surge

Once down 17 points, the Pistons offensive surge late in the 2nd quarter continued as the team better adjusted to the Suns smothering defense. Okorie, Lanier, Isaac Jones and Brice Williams were the usual suspects on offense as they closed the Suns lead to 65-64 with 4:22 in the third.

One area the Pistons improved in was finding ways to use the Suns aggression against themselves. They found ways to draw more fouls when getting into the paint, which opened up the outside shot for Lanier and Williams.

But every surge the Pistons made, the Suns answered. Ultimately their ability to control the paint, securing every rebound seemingly, eclipsed the Pistons chances at completing the come back.

Ebukoa Okorie finished with 16 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Chaz Lanier chipped in 15 points on 4 of 9 shooting from behind the arc, while Brice Williams led the Pistons in scoring with 24.

Ebuka Okorie Summer League Takeaways

There was enough on display to see what could make Ebuka Okorie an impactful player for the Detroit Pistons in his rookie season. He was rarely flustered despite facing tough, physical full court defense.

The defense was reminiscent of a player given respect and attention, BEFORE an opportunity to do work.

Most assumed Okorie would hit the ground running from a scoring perspective. And despite a solid first game scoring the ball, he had to grind out every other basket.

But the level of physicality was much more disruptive to his natural style of play than expected. This is what summer league is for as teams leave things largely unscripted and allow for more free brand of play.

Pistons summer league coach Scalzi said there was no set directive for Okorie beyond that of a point guard. Meaning they would get a good look strengths, weaknesses and tendencies to work on in preparation for the regular season.

One thing made abundantly clear at summer league is Okorie will have to get in the weight room. Not that it will deter him from having some type of impact, but it could hamper the scoring effect many believed would be a plus for the rookie.