By Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press
Plumlee is one of the better pick-and-roll big men in basketball, and should give Hayes a very capable partner as the rookie adjusts to the pace of the NBA. Plumlee is a good passer and a good screen-setter. Given that Hayes was high on Detroit’s draft board, it’s possible Plumlee was identified in advance to be paired with Hayes to help ease his transition into the NBA.
Among big men, Plumlee’s assist percentage was elite last year. He logged a career-high 21.4% assist rate — in the 96th percentile among big men, according to Cleaning The Glass.