Analyzing the Detroit Pistons’ backup center conundrum
By Andrew Hejka
Five games into the season, the Detroit Pistons’ are 3-2 and their rotation is becoming more solidified. What will the backup center spot look like going forward?
Coming into the season, Boban Marjanovic and Eric Moreland were expected to be Andre Drummond‘s primary backups. Marjanovic’s offensive prowess paired with Moreland’s defensive mindset seemingly made the Detroit Pistons safe for all matchups at the position.
Now, 5 games in, Moreland has played only 24 total minutes, while Marjanovic has played 4. Jon Leuer has seen time at the five, due to the playing time that Henry Ellenson and Anthony Tolliver have received at the four.
However, Andre Drummond played 38 minutes each against New York and Philadelphia. While only playing 28 minutes against Minnesota, he would have had to play more if the game was closer.
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This uptick in minutes is mainly because of opposing big men, specifically Joel Embiid. In the past, when opposing starting centers returned to the game in the early second quarter, the Pistons had a backup center capable of defending them. Aron Baynes was that player last year.
This year, whenever big men such as Joel Embiid or Karl-Anthony Towns have come back into the game, Stan Van Gundy has been forced to bring Drummond back in. It seems as if the Pistons’ hand is forced. Leaving Jon Leuer in to defend these stars is not something Van Gundy feels comfortable doing.
This is a cat-and-mouse game that is not sustainable over an entire season. Andre Drummond having to play nearly 40 minutes a night is not ideal, and if he gets into foul trouble early, the Pistons could be in big trouble, especially in the second quarter of games. Ideally, Marjanovic would be the primary backup center, but until his offensive skills outweigh his defensive struggles, he will be unable to earn consistent playing time.
Next: Pistons Playbook: Week 1
Look for teams to alter their minute allocation early in games to try to exploit the Pistons’ backup center conundrum. It will be interesting to see how DeAndre Jordan is used in the Pistons’ next game on Saturday.