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Detroit Pistons: Pros and Cons of starting Stanley Johnson

By Braden Shackelford

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 25: Stanley Johnson of the Detroit Pistons attends the game between the Seattle Storm and the Los Angeles Sparks on July 25, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 25: Stanley Johnson of the Detroit Pistons attends the game between the Seattle Storm and the Los Angeles Sparks on July 25, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Perhaps the biggest mystery that remains unsolved for the Detroit Pistons heading into the regular season is who will start at forward. Presumably, Tobias Harris will occupy one of the forward spots, which leaves a battle between Jon Leuer and Stanley Johnson. Let’s exam what the benefits and draw backs would be to starting Johnson.

The Detroit Pistons have been quite on who will be starting next season. Don’t expect to glean much from preseason lineups either, as I imagine Stan Van Gundy tries a few different looks to see how different units play together.

While there will require some speculation, here’s who is probably a lock to be in the starting lineup come opening day.

PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Avery Bradley
F: Tobias Harris
C: Andre Drummond

Assuming Stanley Johnson gets the start at the forward spot opposite of Tobias Harris, the Pistons will have one of the most versatile lineups. Johnson will finally get an opportunity to play his nature roll at small forward, a position he’s seldom gotten to play in his first three years in the NBA, and harris slides over to power forward where, in my opinion, he is at his best.

I love the idea to start Johnson for many different reasons.

While some could argue that Johnson has been a major disappointment so far, I would argue that his usage and role have been equally, if not more disappointing. There has been no consistency for Johnson, who has been given tough love in Detroit.

He deserves a full season to show what he’s capable of, and a long leash at that.

By starting Johnson, I believe the Pistons will have one of the best defensive units in the NBA, particularly if Drummond plays with consistent energy this season. (Which we can hope for considering his recent surgery to improve his breathing).

The only real downside to starting Johnson is that he has not demonstrated much of anything offensively since his rookie season, which makes his production a bit of question mark. That said, I believe the biggest culprit for this has been his lack of ability to get into a rhythm due to inconsistent playing time, and the tinkering with his mechanics year after year.

Next: Best and worst case scenarios for Avery Bradley

It’s time to just let Johnson go play. If this is indeed what happens, I believe both Johnson and the Pistons will find much success this season.

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