Hunter Patterson

After the Pistons’ 14-win season, Cade Cunningham had FOMO watching the playoffs. He texted someone he knew would understand. I spoke with them both for an exclusive on how that text sparked Detroit’s two-year turnaround: nytimes.com/athletic/71963…

Asked Chaz Lanier about being assertive offensively while letting the game to come to him: “As a shooter you take the looks that are given to you by the defense. And then you want to hunt your shots as well. … You’re also going to take some bad shots. You just live and learn.”

Pistons win 103-94 to improve to 1-1. Chaz Lanier led Detroit with 25 points on 7/12 from 3. Brice Williams had 21 points. Ebuka Okorie added 14, 7 steals and 6 assists.

Meleek Thomas and Labaron Philon, along with Ebuka Okorie, were players I wrote about the Pistons possibly drafting at No. 21. Thomas and Philon have both looked the part against Detroit. Okorie played well Thursday, and has had more of a challenge today.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think Onyenso could step out to the 3. He made 10 of the 36 he took at Virginia last season. Interesting stuff.

Ebuka Okorie finishes the first half with 7 points on 2/7, five steals, three assists and three TOs. He’s gotten into the paint again this afternoon, but the Cavs’ length around the rim has bothered Okorie so far. Let’s see if he has another second half response like Thursday.

Two nice blocks from Ugonna Onyenso in that second quarter. He had a block and three steals in the Pistons’ first matchup Thursday.

@Dsmitty23 Meleek Thomas got fouled on a 3 earlier in the second and it got upgraded to a flagrant 1.

@HunterPatterson I missed it who recently shot one worth 3

I know it’s summer league, but one free throw counting for three points is insane work.

Pistons owner Tom Gores is also in the building:

Gary Harris is here with Tolu Smith to watch the Pistons. Daniss Jenkins has since joined:

Chaz is up to 17 on 5/7 from 3. The most he scored last summer league was 14 points.

Coach John Calipari is courtside today:

Chaz Lanier so far: 11 points on 4/5 Cavs so far: 11 points on 5/9

Today's first five on the court.

What’s next for Jalen Duren and the Pistons after contract negotiations have stalled? It makes most sense to come to an agreement sooner than later. Here’s more on why reuniting would benefit both Duren and Detroit: nytimes.com/athletic/74283…

The @DetroitPistons announced today the official signing of guard Elijah Harkless to a two-way contract. Harkless, 6’3”, 195, spent the last two seasons with the Utah Jazz where he appeared in 36 career NBA games and averaged 5.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

The Detroit Pistons announced today that the team has re-signed guard Kevin Huerter and guard/forward Javonte Green.

Asked Pistons summer league coach Steve Scalzi about Ebuka Okorie’s paint touches: “He understands once the ball touches the paint your 3s, layups, offensive rebounds, everything goes up for your team as an offense. … If we touch the paint, he’s going to make everyone better.”

Asked Ebuka Okorie about his second half: “Just getting used to the rhythm of the game. I haven’t really played 5-on-5 basketball that much since my college season ended.”