Former Piston Just Said THIS… 😮 | Detroit Pistons 2025 NBA Summer League Preview

Former Piston Just Said THIS… 😮 | Detroit Pistons 2025 NBA Summer League Preview

Welcome back to the Pistons Jack YouTube channel. On today’s episode, we’ll react to some interesting comments made by a former Piston on a podcast. We’ll also preview the Pistons 2025, NBA Summer League, who to watch, who’s playing, and when the games are. All that and more next. [Music] All right, let’s dive straight into it. So, now former Piston Tim Hardaway Jr. was recently on the Young Man and the Three podcast. Uh he was on there with Tommy Alter, the host, as well as Cam Johnson, uh who’s also now a Denver Nugget with Tim Hardaway Jr. And he had some really good insight on the Pistons and some interesting stuff here. And um I think where I want to lead off is his comments made about Isaiah Stewart. Now, I’m also going to add some of my own personal uh experience with Stu here as well. So that’s why I’m going to lead off here because in my opinion, I think Stu is like the most misunderstood NBA player in the league. But let’s start with what his teammate from last season said when asked about what it’s like playing with Stu. TJ said, “Isaiah Shu is probably one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, man. He has a heart of gold. Wouldn’t hurt a fly, but when he steps in between them lies, I don’t know what triggers him or what happens, but he becomes something that you can’t really teach.” So that right there, that type of attitude and that type of energy that he brought, it kind of molded what the Pistons were about back in the day. And I think it’s what’s brought back the Pistons from back in the day to this current team. Of course, Stu has never been the the talent and the type of player that could, you know, be your best player and bring that back. But it feels like the f he’s always played with that grit and the first season that the Pistons have the necessary amount of talent and the right pieces around them. You can really see the impact and that he has with his teammates, the locker room, and how this team plays. The Pistons all of last season, same with JB staff. Um, I’m not saying he encourages like technicals and flagrance, but JB is a guy that is always working the refs and always in his team’s corner and Stu does that just on the court. And yes, you might question some of the flagrance here and there, but I’ve always said I love that from Stu because that’s just who he is. And I think this team, every successful team, in my opinion, needs that like tough guy. Uh, and especially when you look back in the Pistons past of successful teams, they always have that guy. And to me, Stew’s that Ron Holland’s that to like the similar extent. Ron’s just still a rookie, so he’s still growing into that role. But um when we look at what uh THJ said, like this isn’t the first time we’ve heard a former teammate rave about Isaiah Stewart being an exceptional teammate. Quinton Grimes, who was only with the Pistons for like 30 games uh post trade deadline a couple of seasons ago, said Stu was the first guy to message him, make sure he’d settled down um in Detroit. He had everything he needed. Like anyone who plays with Isaiah Stewart speaks so highly of him. And the reason I think he’s so misunderstood is, you know, some of it is for his own doing because at the end of the day, uh, when you put yourself in a situation to be, uh, maybe, if you want to call them fights or just be in confrontations, of course, like websites and stuff are going to run with it cuz it’s really engaging content to see fights and shoes kind of earn a rep as that type of player. But he’s also one of the best defenders in the NBA. Like, hands down, the numbers back it up. And if my in my opinion, if he had to hit the minutes, like if he had to play 24 minutes a game, I think you had to do or 25 last season, I genuinely think he was really in the conversation for all defense. Um, and his roommation got better last season. But just on Stu the person, like I’ve been very fortunate to hang around and get to meet Stu and talk to him a little bit three times on my first trip to Detroit back in Feb. And like the thing with him is that it was all unprovoked. Like the team didn’t organize it. Stu and I had built like I’d made some videos about Stu on Instagram and like at towards the start of last season just talking about how good his defense was honestly on Instagram. Like how he he played some really good defense against LeBron and AD. And I was just really trying to bring to light like the impact this guy has as a defender. and we built like just a little relationship just through Instagram. Like he just appreciated me showing love to his game. And then when I first got to Detroit at my first game, I remember walking down the steps. Um shout out to AJ from who used to work at the Pistons. He was taking me downside to the court and we were going to do the rev up with the car and Stu saw me. I wasn’t gonna say hi because it was like 15 minutes to tip off there and shoot around. Like I’m not the last thing I’m doing is trying to interrupt players that close to a game. Um to be honest, I wouldn’t even do that if it was 2 hours before a game. But he came straight over to me and if you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen the video where he comes and dabs me up. I chest bump him. Like him just going out of his way to say what’s up to me was so nice. And then that was the first time I kind of met him very brief. And then a few nights later, we were at a a team dinner. This was a big dinner with like a lot of the organization there. And um I was just sitting at my table. Um the players, I could see where they were sitting. Once again, like I’m never going to go up to them. Uh particularly as I don’t have deep relationships with them, but um like I’m never going to go up to them and like bug them. But I just remember sitting at my table was talking to something. And I just feel these huge hands grab my shoulders and I turn around and Stu’s like made his way from the other side of the room to come say hi to me. Um he was saying hi to other people like he didn’t just get up to see me but just him coming up to me unannounced like saying what’s up. Um and we had like a a conversation for a few minutes like he’s just such a nice guy. Um I ran into like he’s a dad. I ran into his son and wife uh at one of the playoff games my second time. They were lovely. Like Stu is just such a nice guy and I understand he’s got a bad rap on court for some of the flagrance and stuff. I personally love it because I think he’s true to who he is and I think it’s a toughness this team team needs. But um it’s really nice to hear THJ say that because that’s a big podcast that lots of people are going to listen to and I think it’s just a message I try and push that Stu is so good for this team culture. you know, like he might disagree with a play or two he makes here, but he is so crucial as team culture and why I honestly never want to see him in another team’s colors. But, um, moving on to some other comments from THJ, he also spoke about what it’s like playing in Detroit, and I know Pistons fans and Detroit sports fans love this. He said, “People don’t know Detroit unless you actually play in Detroit. You know those fans and those people there. They have that grit. They have that tenacity. They have that fire inside them that instills in all their, you know, their sports. So, and I’m not going to lie, I felt this. I’m obviously not from Detroit. I love the city of Detroit. I was lucky enough to go there twice. Uh Detroit, so my first trip there, it was during the regular season, the Pistons, I think they won game seven in a row, game eight in a row, then they lost to the Nuggets, and then they beat the Nets the fourth game I was there. And the fans were really good there. But I’m telling you, the playoffs, I was lucky enough to go watch a game in Madison Square Garden. Knicks fans were crazy loud. LCA was louder in game three, three, four, and six. I know they didn’t win them, Peace and Z win, but the crowd was incredible. Especially game three. Like that first half of game three. Oh my good. I have never felt a vibe like that. Seriously. And I’ve always been told Detroit sports fans are another level. And I am not glazing here. I swear on my life I’m not glazing. I know I’m biased, but they are incredible. The passion, the noise, the creativity with Chance. Like Detroit sports fans are crazy and I was so excited to be amongst it. Like it was just incredible. So I couldn’t agree with Tim more there. Um like Detroit sports fans on another level. Um, moving on, TSA also spoke about a to turning point of last season because we know the Pistons didn’t start out amazing last year that things weren’t initially clicking. They were kind of constantly five, six games below 500. They they were definitely better than the season before, but you know what I mean. TSJ said, “The turning point of last season was the inseason tournament.” Quote, I’ll tell you this, that inseason tournament, I think, really got our confidence up because those guys were close to almost winning something. And I agree the inseason tournament like winning that game in Indiana. I remember that. That was a highlight. Um obviously the next game I think they lost against the Bucks in the next wave but in the group the Pistons won their group I believe. Um oh no maybe they lost because the Bucks won but they beat the Heat. They beat um the Pacers and it was just awesome experience because at that time like we have to remember where the Pistons were confidence-wise and it’s another reason I love Malik Beasley and Tobias and TJ coming in and giving this young team confidence cuz their confidence was shot after that 28game losing streak. Yes, they’re extremely talented but their confidence it couldn’t have been high. So to win these type of bigger games um I think it all built towards them being ready for the playoffs and winning eight in a row. Um so that was awesome. Uh, and then he also had some really complimentary things to say about Kate Cunningham. Uh, just about Kad’s mindset, his maturity, how he plays at his own pace. All stuff we’ve kind of heard, but it’s, you know, a guy like THJ who’s been in the league for a long time, played with Luca Donuch. Um, you know, he knows what an MVP MVP player looks like. So, I appreciate his insight there for sure. But, uh, let’s move on here. Quick preview for the summer league. So, the Pistons, as you can see here on the right, uh this is a summer league roster headlined by Ron Holland, uh Bobby Clintman, obviously his second summer league with Ron, of course, uh Chaz Laneir, the Pistons rookie, who I know we’re all very excited to watch. Motor City Cruise two-way players, Tou Smith, Dannis Jenkins, also um Dannis Jenkins was awesome in the summer league last year, especially in these first couple of games he bowled out. Um, Tou Smith Luke was solid for the crews, was decent in summer league last year. So excited to see what he can do as a center. Um, but I think another name there is TJ Biker Staf. Just to clear this up, TJ Buster is in fact the nephew of JB Big Staff. So, I’m excited to see what he can do. I I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about his college career, but the players I’m going to get to um three players you should watch apart from the obvious, but I want to focus on Chaz Laneir for a second. Chaz Laneir last last season with Tennessee just as a refresher 18 points four rebounds shot 40% from three on 8.2 two attempts. That is ridiculous shooting. He on top of that he’s 41% on catch and shoots, 43% on open threes, catch and shoot, 38% on guarded catch and shoots. Crazy number. 36% off the dribble. Also shot it pretty well in the mid-range on the pullup. So, really excited to see him. I mean, Ron Holland, I’m I can’t wait. I think Ron’s only going to play one game, maybe two. I feel like if he scores 25 plus in game one and just looks like a level above, they’ll shut him down. if he struggles a little bit in game one just like maybe he just has a bad shooting night. I could see them playing him game two to end on a high. Um but yeah, excited to see Ron for sure. Um and then Bobby Clintman last season he was like we all love watching Ron, but Bobby was the guy who emerges. Oh wow, this guy can pass. He can hit threes. And I know a lot of Pistons fans are excited. And I know I do know Bobby is very excited to show get out there and show what he can do after spending a lot of last season uh rehabbing from injury and then being with the Crews where he was really really good as well. Um this is his chance to show like we keep talking about backup four. This is the first chance for him to show yep I’m ready to take those minutes. So keep a close eye on him. Uh three other players I would keep an eye on before we get to the schedule here. Zakai Ziggler, I think I pronounced that right. uh four-year point guard at I believe the University of Tennessee. I think he’s the all-time assist leader. He’s 5’8 and this is probably the only reason he wasn’t drafted because he gave you 14.7 assists last season. Uh pretty creative scorer. Uh definitely not shy of the moment. Will take a big time shot. So, he’s definitely one to watch. Real crafty playmaker, good passer. Um then we have Bryce Williams from Nebraska, a I think he’s around 6’8, a wing. Um, another guy who played four or five years in college. Uh, averaged 20 points, four rebounds last season. Not a bad passer as well from what I can see, but kind of just a do it all scorer. A guy that if the Pistons add someone, I would keep an eye on him. He would fill some of the depth that we need in the front court and on the wings. Um, and then the final one is Dawson Garcia, Minnesota. Uh, four or five year college player. Once again, 19 points, seven rebounds. I think he’ll be a five at the NBA level, maybe slightly undersized. Um, but can stretch the floor, I think. Shot around 36% from three. He hit a crazy halfcourt buzzer beater to beat Michigan, I’m pretty sure, last season. So, um, another player to watch there. Um, so that’s and I’m sure uh Trevor Ks I believe um he was drafted by the Knicks a couple of years ago. Uh, he’s a guard from out of Duke. Uh, I don’t think he ever really played for the Knicks. probably played in their G-League team. Uh he was like another guy a couple of seasons ago who was highly touted. I think he was drafted in the back end of the first round, maybe early second. So, another guy to watch who’s probably going to be looking to make an NBA roster as he was an NBA talent. But um let me know of any other names on here if I’ve missed anyone. Um and uh yeah, drop drop a comment below if there’s any sleeper players here you could see making some noise. Let’s wrap it up here once again on the right. This is the schedule. So, the Pistons play their first game tomorrow against the New York Knicks playoff rematch. No, I’m just kidding. Um, but the Knicks will be coached by a former Pistons uh summer league head coach and a former Pistons assistant coach in uh Jordan Brink. He’s the guy who drew up that famous play for Ivy to dish the lob up to JD in their first play back in 2022. So, shout out to Jordan Brink. Um, I know he’s with the Knicks, but once a Piston, always a Piston in my eyes. Uh, so that’ll be fun. Interesting. The Knicks I think don’t have too much talent. They’ve got um three or four players, NBA players. They have Ara Porty who played down here in the NBL a couple years ago. Um they have that point guard. I’ve forgotten his name. That’s bad of me. But um Pearson should win that. Then they play the Rockets Sunday afternoon. Uh that’ll be Monday morning for us here in Australia. Uh I think Reed Shepard will play in that game. Um we’ll see who else. Minnesota uh on July 15th. They will have I believe Rob Dillingham, couple other guys, so that should be fun. Then Miami on July 17th. If I’m being honest, like I think the Pistons Summer League team is stacked. Like I think this is actually one of the best teams we’ve had. I know we don’t have that top five rookie this year, but I think if anything that might mean this team’s better because they’re just a team full of guys who are summer league vets, apart from Chaz Laneir, but he’s like 23, 24. Like I can really see this team jelling nicely and actually making some noise. Like typically the teams that win summer league aren’t the teams that draft like three or four first round picks in that immediate draft. It’s normally the teams that have you know secondyear guys, some highly touted G-League players. And I feel like the Pistons have got that. So I think this summer league could be fun. Like I could see them honestly going 4-0 at least three and one of those games. But um really excited for summer league. We’ve got heaps of stuff coming on the YouTube for the summer league coverage. Uh, so please stick here, keep your eye out for posts on my social media about what’s going to be happening with the YouTube, but I got heaps of content coming for you. I’m really, really excited. But thank you so much for watching. Appreciate all the support, all the love as always. But we’ll be back tomorrow to recap some summer league hoops. But as always, go Pistons. [Music]

A former Piston just opened up about his time in Detroit — and the comments might surprise you. In today’s episode, I break down what he had to say about the Pistons’ “magical season,” his thoughts on Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart, and why Stew might be the most misunderstood player in the league.

Then, we shift gears to preview the Pistons’ 2025 NBA Summer League:
🏀 Who’s playing
📆 When the games are
🔥 Who to watch for

Let’s talk about it all — the past, the future, and everything in between. Tap in.

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