Detroit — According to the NBA, there were 1,700 transition take-fouls called throughout the course of the 2021-22 season, limiting the opportunity for a highlight dunk or explosive play.
As a result, the league instituted a change to the rules that will impose heightened penalties when a defensive player commits a transition take-foul, an intentional foul committed to deprive the offensive team of a fast-break opportunity.
If a player commits a transition take-foul, outside of the final two minutes of regulation or overtime, the offensive team is rewarded one free throw and maintains possession of the ball.
“We had that situation today happen and we had to explain it,” Casey said following Friday’s practice. “Again, it’s all but the last two minutes. The last two minutes, you can take a foul just because it gives your team a chance to get back in the game in case they’re behind, using the fouls strategically.”
League officials are expected to attend one of the Pistons’ upcoming practices to demonstrate the rule, according to Casey.
“It was a great teaching moment for us,” Casey said.
Is there a role for Jalen Duren?
Jalen Duren was a force inside the paint during his lone year at the University of Memphis.
The Pistons rookie proved ready for the NBA after posting averages of 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game as a freshman. He became the No. 13 pick as a result and once Detroit acquired him on draft night, the franchise’s frontcourt future appeared bright.
The Pistons’ group of big men is comprised of Duren, Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Stewart and Nerlens Noel. But can Duren’s potential prove worthy of a prominent role with the Pistons in his first year?
“Just continue to grow,” Casey said. “Father Time. You can’t give it to him. You wish you could wave a magic wand. He’s just going to go through the bumps and mistakes. He’s a quick learner and that’s great to see. It’s just keep growing. Just like all of our young guys, everybody wants them to be a contending team right now. It’s humanly impossible, but he just has to keep being himself.”
The Motor City Cruise, the Pistons’ G League affiliate, could be an option at some point throughout the season, Casey said, but not just for Duren.
“It’s a possibility for all of our guys,” Casey said. “There’s no disrespect at all. Tom Gores put out the money for the team. We’re gonna use it. It’s a great practice tool for us and we’re going to utilize it. I don’t look at it as a demotion whatsoever.”
Duren said during training camp that he hasn’t heard much about the possibility of him playing in the G League, but he’s going to do whatever the Pistons need.
“I’m here to develop and grow as a player to be the best player I can be, so whatever route they feel will help me best, I’m all for the taking,” Duren said.
Whether Duren is learning in practice, in games with the Pistons, or the Cruise, he’s instructed to make mistakes, but to not repeat them.
“You’re going to make mistakes,” Casey said. “Make them hard and try not to make the same mistakes twice.”
Former Pistons star Blake Griffin signs one-year deal with Celtics
Blake Griffin is on the move again.
After spending two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, the former Pistons forward has signed a one-year, fully-guaranteed contract with the Boston Celtics.
Griffin, 33, isn’t the player he once was following a season with career-low averages in points (6.4), rebounds (4.1) and assists (1.9) through 56 games with the Nets. However, he’s an additional big that could benefit the Celtics while starting center Robert Williams recovers from knee surgery.
Griffin averaged 20.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5 assists per game in his time with the Pistons. He also shot a career-high 33% from the 3-point line in Detroit.
mcurtis@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @MikeACurtis2