The Detroit Pistons’ group of power forwards is arguably more “boom or bust” than any other position on the depth chart.
See also:
Detroit Pistons roster analysis: Point guards
Detroit Pistons roster analysis: Small forwards
Detroit Pistons roster analysis: Centers
WHO: Ersan Ilyasova (starter), Anthony Tolliver
The Pistons acquired Ersan Ilyasova, the type of three-point shooting stretch four that coach Stan Van Gundy loves, to replace Greg Monroe in the starting lineup. Ilyasova is a perfect fit for the system Van Gundy wants to run. The evidence is clear as you consider the success that players with similar skill sets have achieved under SVG in the past (see Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson).
While the upside of a starting lineup with Ilyasova at the four is exciting, the question of whether he can stay healthy long enough to have a positive impact looms large. Ilyasova has missed a total of 51 games over the past two seasons due to injuries including a nasal fracture, concussion, pulled groin and a bad ankle.
If Ilyasova plays close to a full 82 games, the Pistons offense could flourish. On the other hand, if he fights injuries all season the Pistons would be looking at Anthony Tolliver or possibly Marcus Morris to start at power forward while Ilyasova is out.
The offense worked well with Tolliver stretching the floor next to Andre Drummond last season, but Tolliver is much better suited as a reserve. Being forced to rely on Tolliver for major minutes is a situation the Pistons want to avoid, but it may be inevitable given Ilyasova’s injury history and the lack of depth at the position.
I don’t mind the idea of Morris getting some minutes at the four, but if he is asked to start there for a significant number of games it would weaken the Pistons’ depth at small forward and also force Stanley Johnson into a more prominent role. At this point, no one knows whether he is ready for that much responsibility during his rookie season.
Aside from Ilyasova, Tolliver and Morris, the Pistons don’t have anyone on the roster with the size and skill set Van Gundy wants to run out at power forward. That is not an ideal scenario, especially considering the fact that Morris is presumably the starting small forward. Ultimately, the Pistons will only have two true power forwards on the roster, and since history tells us it would be foolish to count on a healthy Ilyasova for all 82 games, I give the position a C.