AUBURN HILLS -- When it comes to figuring out whether a player is performing well, it's easy to fall back on their statistics.
Fortunately for Amir Johnson, the Pistons don't see things that way. Despite some less-than-stellar numbers as a starter, head coach Michael Curry has been pleased with Johnson's play thus far. In two preseason games, Johnson is averaging three points and three rebounds.
"Throw his stat line out the window," Curry said following Detroit's 85-71 win on Wednesday. "You saw the intensity in which he plays and the speed, the athletic ability he brings to that starting unit ..."
Curry has a grading system which focuses on every offensive and defensive possession. Following Thursday morning's practice, Curry said the offensive grades had yet to be posted, but "defensive grades, he (Johnson) really scores well," Curry said. "He usually follows the game plan. The problem that he has, is sometimes he gets caught up under the basket and doesn't box and doesn't get the guy out the paint."
I'll have more from this morning's practice later in the Booth Newspapers and on mlive.com.