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What to watch for during the Pistons final preseason games

By Nicholas Prantera

Mar 18, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) greets his teammates during introductions before the game against the Sacramento Kings at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) greets his teammates during introductions before the game against the Sacramento Kings at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons’ preseason is underway with after a loss at the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. Let’s discuss what to watch for down the road this preseason.

The Detroit Pistons will play six preseason games, which started on October 6th, and will end on the 19th. With the preseason in full swing, there are many things to pay attention to during the teams final five exhibition games.

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The Pistons did not get a superstar in the offseason, but the team did get significantly better. They addressed depth needs, particularly at point guard and power forward. For the first time in years, the team is coming off a winning season with a chance to go to the playoffs in back-to-back years. With no big moves, what should Pistons fans focus their attention on?

First thing Piston’s fans want to see is how the lineup will run without Reggie Jackson. With Reggie being sidelined an estimated 6-8 weeks, the Pistons now have to name a backup point guard. With Ish Smith most likely to start, it will be interesting to see what Ray McCallum, and Lorenzo Brown can do.

Next, all fans should be looking at is the bench. The bench was awful last year and could not hold leads given to them by the starters. With the signings of Ish Smith, Jon Leuer, Boban Marjanovic, and Ray McCallum, the Pistons’ bench has been bolstered. Although Smith will most likely start in Jackson’s absence, he will most definitely return to the bench when Jackson returns.  The preseason will give fans a first hand look at how the second unit will mesh together and foreshadow player roles. The Pistons finally have an abundance of talent on the bench, and fans have a reason to be excited.

The Detroit Pistons weren’t a lottery team this year, but they still have a couple of rookies to look forward to watching. The team drafted Henry Ellenson in the first round with the 18th pick, and Michael Gbinije in the second round at 49. It remains to be seen what roles each player will have at the start of the season, but fans should be anxious to see these rookies play. We got a taste of what they could do in the summer league, but preseason is a whole new level. We’re going to get an opportunity to see just how NBA ready the two are, and what roles the may play in the upcoming season.

Next: Is there value to be had in the preseason?

Lastly, and most obvious, fans just want to see this team play. Tobias Harris is here for a full season, Andre Drummond continues to progress, and the team continues to get better. The preseason will give a nice glimpse into the team’s upcoming season and fans finally can have some fun expectations for their team. It’s time to hop on the Pistons bandwagon while there’s still room.

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