Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Pistons signed Italy’s Luigi Datome to an NBA contract during the offseason with the idea of having more than just a well-rounded roster.
They expect him to push the other Pistons for minutes and to contribute significantly to the team’s offense, especially with an excellent perimeter game.
It’s Datome’s background as a shooter that excites the Pistons about the latest European addition to their roster. He’s shown in Europe how well he can shoot the ball, but now he faces the best defenses in the world. He did play briefly overseas with current new Pistons guard Brandon Jennings when Jennings played one season abroad prior to coming to the NBA. Pistons coaches and scouts like him for the way he finishes at the basket and is effective in the open floor by getting quickly to the basket. He’s able, with his big hands, to change his shot easier than players with smaller hands.
The Pistons also like Datome’s defensive skills plus his 3-point shooting and free throw accuracy. In Europe, he was shooting 50 percent from the international 3-point line.
Datome has a major impact on a team he took the finals in one of Europe’s top leagues. He might be able to do that for the Pistons, probably in a reserve role, but he’s a threat who could surprise the rest of the NBA with his explosive offense.
If Datome can become a dangerous shooter in the NBA, he’ll add to the other weapons that the Pistons brought in with hopes of finally having a winning record and getting to the playoffs after a four-year absence.
John Raffel is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JohnCarlRaffel, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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