Pistons Moves Basketball

The Grand Rapids Drive's Stanley Johnson (23) looks to pass against the Delaware 87ers during an NBA D-League basketball game at the DeltaPlex in Walker, Mich., Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. The Detroit Pistons assigned forwards Stanley Johnson and Henry Ellenson and guard Michael Gbinije to the team's D-League affiliate in Grand Rapids.

(Allison Farrand | MLive.com)

DALLAS -- Stan Van Gundy wouldn't call it tough love, but Stanley Johnson will.

The Detroit Pistons forward was barely playing this time last week, having fallen out of the playing rotation in favor of more offensive-minded options.

He was sent to the NBA Development League to shake off some of the rust, and instead of sulk and pout, he used it to sharpen his game.

Johnson seems to have reclaimed his spot after playing heavy minutes the last two games, 26 minutes in Sunday's loss against Philadelphia and 15 in Wednesday's 95-85 win at Dallas.

"You jus see where you're at," Johnson said. "It makes me hungry not being able to play, but I think the time I wasn't playing I just tried to do what I can do to get better.

"All the tough love he's given me, I kind of take it to heart and give it everyday."

It's been a struggle for Johnson in his second NBA season. He was often the first player of the Pistons' bench as a rookie, and later staked his claim as a willing and able (and talkative) defender in the playoffs against LeBron James.

But his offensive game still is a work in progress, plagued by indecisiveness and inefficiency.

"The stuff (Stan's) been telling me -- I think going down to the D-League was really good offensively for me, just so I can get a flow back and step into shots," Johnson said. "Regardless of whether I'm playing against pre-school players or NBA players, if you step into a wide-open 3 in a game you make it. That's everywhere. It's gaining more trust from him is the next on my agenda."

Johnson seems to be slowly regaining that trust. He guarded three different positions successfully on Wednesday, helping tame Wes Matthews (four points, 2-10 shooting) and Deron Williams (16 points, 3-13 shooting).

And even though he only scored seven points, Johnson found himself back on the court for the game-deciding fourth quarter.

"That's where my team needs me initially," Johnson said of his defense. "Coach's instructions, like today, were at the end of the day guard my position and try to put Deron Willams and (Harrison Barnes) in the pick and roll.

"Part of the reason I'm in the NBA is because I can guard four positions."

The backup wing spot has turned into a game of musical chairs this season. Johnson started in the role, then quickly lost it to the returning Reggie Bullock and took a one-game suspension for violating team rules. When Bullock went down to injury, the Pistons turned to the inconsistent Darrun Hilliard.

Asked postgame Wednesday if he's ready to declare Johnson back in the rotation, Van Gundy only repeated, "I don't know."

"It's hard to see a lot of the times, but at the same time you've got to give credit where credit is due," Johnson said of Van Gundy's tactics. "You don't take a player that you just sat for three games and put him in the fourth quarter and tell him, 'Go do this.' You know what I'm saying? You just don't do that.

"Everyday, it's about gaining his trust and, you know, I think everyday with him is a way to better get to know to me. I think for me, it's about being easygoing, easy to deal with and just keep pushing it and keep working."

Signs are pointing to turnaround offensively, too. Johnson (3.6 ppg, 2.2 apg) only attempted four shots, including a first-half airball, but hit a key triple early in the fourth quarter.

Ish Smith found him open on the wing, and rather than take a dribble or hesitate over what to do, Johnson skied for the shot and knocked it down.

"I was trying to make the right play as opposed to doing what I was before," Johnson said. "Just play. Just play. If I play basketball like I know how to play basketball, then you'll see what I'm really made of. But if I keep thinking out there, second-guess myself, that's when you see trash. Play basketball. Be efficient. Listen to coaches and keep pushing."