Scout Sense Game of the Night Notes: New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons

The rust was clear, but excitement was in the air for two teams that were members of the “Delete 8” as Mike Breen finely labeled them. Here were the player takeaways from tonight’s action:

Pistons

Killian Hayes: Preseason or not, it was debut to forget for the young French point guard who got his first taste of the NBA tonight. Hayes finished 2–7 from the field with 5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 7 very clear turnovers. It is very apparent Hayes has a ton to learn. From the ill-advised lob passes to shuffling of the feet turnovers he had a very tough night finding a rhythm. While some credit should go to Thib’s Knicks aggressive defense, much of Killian’s mistakes can easily be preventable with time. My main concern with Hayes longterm is that he carries the heck out of the ball, something refs will punish him on throughout the course of his rookie year. One positive I did take from Hayes’s play was his pursuit of rebounds, he is not afraid to get into the mix battling for loose balls off the rim. The big takeaway from a poor first game in the league should be how Hayes is able to put this game behind and respond in his next outing on Sunday once again at home against the Knicks. One side note: I can definitely get behind the Detroit’s famous PA announcers call on Killian’s buckets. It’s a good one.

Jermai Grant: Our first look at Grant’s newly “expanded role” in Detroit was less than stellar. Watching him jack up 3-pointers (0–5) and even worse having to watch him put the ball on the floor attempting to break down his defender off the dribble was awful as he finished a lowly 1–11 from the field. Sure it’s early, but there is absolutely little to no hope this new situation is a step in the right direction for his career.

Svi Mykhailiuk: One of the bright spots of Detroit’s core moving forward is this sharp shooting wing. I’m not even afraid to say it, Svi is the next Joe Harris. Any team that was eyeing Harris in free agency should be keeping a close look on prying Mykhailuk away from Detroit. He would be an absolute game changer for a lot of playoff teams.

Saddiq Bey: Got a lot of run in the 2nd half including some valuable experience in crunch time with the tough defensive assignment on Julius Randle. Despite going 4–12 from the field, I liked what I saw. Bey’s size and game certainly fares well at the NBA level and will certainly get better with more time. I’d like to see a little bit more lift on

Josh Jackson: Somehow he managed to commit 5 fouls in his first 13 minutes of play. The Detroit native will continue to have to battle to find time amongst Pistons wings, but when he is able to find transition opportunities out on the break he can be lethal.

Knicks

Obi Tobbin: Quite simply put Obi Toppin looks like he belongs. He did not disappoint in his Knicks debut offering a solid glimpse of his bright future as big part of the organization moving forward. He was extremely stable out on the floor tonight contributing with 11 points and 7 rebounds. His length/size stands out leaping on both ends of the floor. As he continues to get accustom to the pace/speed of the NBA game he is due for some very productive nights.

Elfrid Payton: I went into this season with a very open mind upon how Thibs would manage his backcourt. I left tonight’s game already concluding who Thib’s starting point guard will be this season. It is most definitely Elfrid Payton. From fighting through and over screens on defense to managing the Knicks half court offense, Dennis Smith stands no chance to take the starting reigns. With Austin Rivers sitting this one out, it’s pretty clear Smith is the odd man out of the Knicks regular rotation as he’ll try to battle with time with Frank Ntlikina and Alec Burks who are both much better fits.

Nerlens Noel: In a better much version of an “expanded role” opportunity if Noel is able to remain healthy he is in for a huge year on this Knicks ball club. He undoubtedly will be the Knicks starting center throughout much (if not all) of the season. His activity on both ends of the floor meshes extremely well with the style of play Thibs is incorporating early. I am really excited for him this season.

Mitchell Robinson: While Knicks fans certainly should remain optimistic about Robinson’s potential, he surely didn’t show me any signs of turning the corner. Too often we focus on his incredible shot blocking ability which is definitely top notch, but he continued to pick up a number of senseless fouls recklessly chasing steals/deflections ON THE PERIMETER. Robinson must learn to stay back, keeping his man an arm’s length away, and should be baiting opponents to try to attempt shots over his long stretched arms. If an opponent sees the space Robinson gives them as an opportunity to drive let them force the issue, not many players are going to be able to get clean looks off his contests. He is an extremely gifted shot blocker. He must embrace it.

Julius Randle: It’s been mentioned quite a bit that Randle was noted to be one of the Knicks that came into camp in tip top shape and it was showcased tonight as Thibs basically gave Randle starter minutes. Not much has changed to Randle’s game and he will be utilized as he has in past offenses, but he deserves credit for showing up with his game looking in full swing. Thibs made it very clear he wanted to get his Knicks team off on the right foot tonight with a victory and Randle playing late into the 4th quarter was what solidified tonight’s victory.

One last side note: Knicks rookie Immanuel Quickley has some serious bench energy and swagger on the sidelines. He will be showcased throughout the season in-game highlight celebrations.