The Detroit Pistons have gone through plenty of flux throughout this 2017-18 season, and while some have been hampered by injuries, others like Reggie Bullock have made the most of their opportunity. The veteran shooting guard is averaging 11.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game for the Motor City.
The fifth-year shooting guard out of the University of North Carolina has grabbed a chokehold of his chance to start for this team and has made it very difficult for head coach Stan Van Gundy to yank him out of his rightful spot in the starting lineup, delivering consistent outings throughout his 49 starts this season.
Bullock had played only spare minutes through the first four seasons of his career, but now his name is thrown in the hat of Most Improved Player candidates, going from a deep reserve to one of the best commodities as a legitimate starter in this league.
“I think he should be, absolutely I do,” said Van Gundy, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic. “But I don’t think he’s a big enough name, probably.”
Bullock was a lot more humble in his approach, making a nod that it's the opportunity that has seen his numbers spike
“Probably ‘most improved in minutes,’” said Bullock jokingly, when asked if he could see himself in the award conversation. “I’m more happy just to have a coach that believes in me, finally gave me an opportunity in this league. And I’m just [going to] run with it.”
Bullock signed a two-year, $5 million deal with the Pistons, one that has to look like a great deal for his service, as he heads into the offseason as their starting shooting guard with 49.6 percent shooting from the field, and second in the league in 3-point shooting at 44.5 percent.
Yet the 27-year-old has made more than just his head coach a believer.
“[Bullock has] definitely earned his place on [the Pistons] and in this league because he can flat-out shoot the ball,” Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks said prior to Thursday’s 103-92 loss. “He’s not just a shooter. He can defend. He has good size, and from what I’m hearing, he’s a great teammate.”
“When players don’t get playing time early on, they always seem to blame everyone else except themselves. When you blame everyone else, there’s a good chance you’re not going to be in the league long. When you keep working and wait for your opportunity like he has, it usually pays off.”
Brooks knows what it's like to be a fringe player and the work it takes to build a name in this league. The Pistons surprisingly had a player in their roster with a very similar skillset to Avery Bradley, but without that same recognition. One they can surely build around more comfortably in this offseason.
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