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The Detroit Pistons’ biggest concerns entering the 2017 off-season

By Leighton Chappell

Feb 28, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) waits for a play to start during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 120-113 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) waits for a play to start during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 120-113 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Forwards

The forward situation in Detroit is complicated.

All season long, Marcus Morris has started at small forward with his primary back up, Stanley Johnson, entering later in the game.

At power forward, it’s been either Jon Leuer or Tobias Harris starting. On paper, the forward position appears strong, especially with Henry Ellenson up and coming. Though, again, it’s more complicated than that.

A quick synopsis of the forward issue in Detroit:

Marcus Morris– great, cheap forward and leader for the Pistons, though plays an isolation game that disrupts ball movement, causes the offense to go flat, and doesn’t fit the run-and-gun offense Stan Van Gundy would like to be running.

Tobias Harris– excellent scorer and true small forward, but is unable to play a massive amount of small forward minutes due to Marcus Morris and Stanley Johnson. Therefore, Harris is stuck in an awkward rotation involving Jon Leuer.

John Leuer– started the season strong but has disappointed since. The power forward appears to be playing without much confidence and is also stuck in an awkward rotation with Tobias Harris.

Stanley Johnson– a player with huge potential and a ‘Detroit’  attitude, though seems to always be under Stan Van Gundy’s skin due to stubbornness. Additionally, for the Arizona-product to develop, he needs minutes. Are there enough minutes for him in Detroit?

Henry Ellenson- still developing with plenty of ways to go. That said, he carries great potential.

Next: Tom Gores, Arn Tellem make pitch to host All-Star Game

So, with everything said, Detroit MUST figure out their forward personnel as we round into the summer.

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