No More Tolliver, Bring On Leuer
The Detroit Pistons came into this off-season looking to upgrade the front court. President Of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Stan Van Gundy solved that problem by signing Jon Leuer in the midst of free agency. Leuer has played for Milwaukee, Memphis, Cleveland and Phoenix in his 5 year career. Last season was his best as he put up averages of 8.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assist in 19 minutes per game, which in turn earned him a 4 year, $42 million dollar contract with the Detroit Pistons. Leuer is the perfect power forward to play In Stan Van Gundy's offensive system because of his ability to shoot the three and defend. Last season he shot 37% from the three-point line which is decent for a stretch four. Two strengths that go unnoticed about Jon Leuer's game is his athleticism and ability to create his own shot as you can see in the clips below.
Now a lot of people might wonder why would the Pistons give Leuer a 42$ million dollar contract if he only produces average numbers? I tell you why last season with the Suns Leuer had a short stint as the starting Power Forward which led to Leuer best overall performances of the season. Including putting up 16 points and 14 boards in just 20 minutes in the season finale. He also had impressive 20 point, 12 rebound performances against the Lakers and the Pelicans earlier in the season. When Leuer played more than 36 minutes his numbers increased to 14.9 points 9.3 rebounds 1.8 assists per game. Stan Van Gundy now has his 2nd version of Ryan Anderson as he did when he was coaching Orlando.
This is a huge upgrade over Anthony Tolliver who was averaging 5.5 points 3.2 rebounds per game. Even though Tolliver made great hustle plays which brought energy to the team, he couldn't defend other power forwards and he struggled to put the ball on the floor which basically made him one dimensional. The Pistons' bench production became easy to guard which is why they were dead last in bench points last season. With this signing I expect the bench production to go up since Leuer is a better fit than Tolliver was as the backup power forward.
Below is a Phoenix Suns fan evaluation on John Leuer
