Stanley Johnson’s stent with the Detroit Pistons has had more downs than ups. However, things look to be turning in the right direction for Johnson as he appears to be a starter for the Pistons to start the 2017-18 season.
The Detroit Pistons got mostly poor reviews for passing up on Justise Winslow and taking Stanley Johnson in the 2015 NBA draft.
But head coach Stan Van Gundy was confident in his choice, and loved Johnson’s work ethic, demeanor, and defensive upside.
In fact, it’s these two areas that perhaps made Van Gundy question whether he made the right choice on draft after the conflicts the two had a season ago.
Despite the issues between the two Stans, it appears both have learned to live with, and respect, one another. Nothing is more indicative of the mended bonds and vote of confidence then Van Gundy’s decision to give Stanley Johnson the nod at forward to start the preseason.
#Pistons starters vs. #Hornets tonight: Smith, Bradley, Johnson, Harris and Drummond.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) October 4, 2017
It is important to note that this is the first preseason game, and that Van Gundy could use the rest of the preseason to try out different lineups. This could be even more true this preseason than in season’s past as the Pistons will be playing a minimum of two new starters with the departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris.
Moreover, Johnson may have earned the start, but he’s going to have to prove that he deserves to be there.
That said, I expect Johnson’s leash to be longer then it ever has been, as it is in the Pistons’ best interest to see what they have in Johnson.
Reports this offseason have been vastly different from last offseason regarding Johnson. The Pistons are pleased with his development and he appears more mature than in season’s past. While the Pistons don’t have a realistic shot a title this season, or even in the foreseeable future, I have high hopes for the defensive pairing of Johnson and Avery Bradley.
Next: Reggie Jackson out for the Pistons in preseason opener
Those two, along with a healthy Reggie Jackson and motivated Andre Drummond, could make this a very intriguing team to watch.