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Detroit Pistons: Way-too-early starting lineup projections

By Brenden Welper

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Blake Griffin #23 and Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons high five during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Blake Griffin #23 and Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons high five during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Projected shooting guard: Luke Kennard

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 1: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 1: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Luke Kennard may always be remembered as the guy who was drafted before Donovan Mitchell. And that’s unfortunate, because the kid has quietly become the Pistons’ best all-around shooter.

Which is why I predict he’ll make the jump from reserve to starter in 2018-19.

Kennard averaged 7.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last season. The 22-year-old shot 44.3 percent from the floor, and 41.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Despite playing just 20 minutes a night, his per-36 averages of 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists are a bit more telling of what Kennard is capable of in an expanded role.

His defense remains a work in progress, particularly away from the ball. But Kennard allowed just under 1 point per possession (0.926 PPP to be exact) as a rookie.

That’s not ideal. Although it’s better than 44 percent of the league. Synergy gave him a rating of “Average” for his overall defense. Assuming that he improves, you’ll take it if you’re the Pistons.

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