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Does it matter who starts at forward for the Detroit Pistons?

By Braden Shackelford

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 07: Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons celebrates in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 7, 2017 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 07: Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons celebrates in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 7, 2017 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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There has been much debate about what the Detroit Pistons will role out at its forward position this season. While we will ultimately have to wait and see what Stan Van Gundy elects to do, does it really matter?

The Detroit Pistons will start five players this season. That much we know.

Reggie Jackson, Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, and Andre Drummond will probably be four of those five players. But what about the fifth starter? Jon Leuer? Stanley Johnson?

Does it matter?

Stan Van Gundy wanted a versatile roster so that he could match up with any team they will face. Mission accomplished. On paper, Van Gundy should be able to match up with just about any lineup, at least in terms of size, weight, speed. (Obviously the Pistons don’t have a Kevin Durant or a Russell Wesbtrook).

We saw Van Gundy play around with his rotations last season, more so than any other season he’s been with the Pistons. Mostly he did this because the Pistons stunk, and Reggie Jackson was not himself.

But if Van Gundy truly believes in his roster and its ability to match up with any team, then it really doesn’t matter who starts for him.

Although there’s a chance Jon Leuer starts for the Pistons this season, would Van Gundy really play Leuer at power forward and Harris at small forward, over Johnson and Harris?

The forward spot has become the most versatile position in the NBA. Players range from 6’5″ to 7’3″.

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Van Gundy would be best served to play the matchup and make decision on his lineup game-by-game–that is, unless one of Johnson or Leuer clearly creates separation from one another.

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