The Detroit Pistons logged the second-most fast break points per game last season

Now that training camp in Detroit is officially underway, Pistons forward Tobias Harris is energized and has his own high-octane plan for the team this season after ranking second in the NBA for fastbreak points per game last year (18.4). 

“As a group, we want to play fast,” Harris said after practice. “It's not to say, obviously we have lost three-point shooting, but we have Duncan [Robinson], we have Caris [LeVert] and other guys that can come in here and just be able to maybe increase their attempts. But the faster we play, the more that we're able to get out, get stops and run… We're creating turnovers. You can get layups, and that's just as important.”

A couple days ago, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff mentioned that Detroit may have the fastest pair of wings in the NBA when referring to Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, so it is clear that the Pistons plan to operate in swift fashion up and down the court once again. 

“We know our system,” Harris said. “We know how we want to play basketball. We're familiar… The pace has been really good. The energy is good, physicality has been great. We're getting after it and we're just pushing ourselves, pushing our condition and pushing each other individually. At the same time, coming together and building that chemistry.”

Last year, the Pistons were quite successful in pushing the ball up the court and catching teams sleeping in transition, and Harris notes that the squad has had a quick start to training camp as well. Overall, the Pistons are one of the younger teams in the league, and this youth lends itself well to an up-tempo playing style that is eager to run the offense on the fly. 

Now in his 15th season as a pro, Harris has seen a lot of talented players during his time in the league, but the 6-8 forward cracked a hearty, knowing grin when he spoke about the caliber of athleticism on the current Pistons squad. 

Marcus Sasser Carving Out Backup Point Guard Role For Detroit Pistons <i>The Pistons have Marcus Sasser running the second unit during training camp</i>

“We got some athletes,” Harris said. “These  young guys is athletic, and we got some sleepers too. Our most athletic guy, no one knows about. I'm not gonna say his name, but maybe you'll see through the season. I know who it is though– and it's not me.”

Time will tell when that uber-athletic player reveals himself, but Harris’ confident response leads one to believe the Pistons locker room is chock full of speedsters ready to run the floor this season. 

For more information on the latest Detroit Pistons team or player news, follow @EricJRutter on X for continued basketball coverage.