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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 small forward: Stanley Johnson

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 6: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons drives the ball to the basket as Dwight Powell #7 and Maximilian Kleber #42 of the Dallas Mavericks defend during the second quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on April 6, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Dallas 113-106. 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – APRIL 6: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons drives the ball to the basket as Dwight Powell #7 and Maximilian Kleber #42 of the Dallas Mavericks defend during the second quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on April 6, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Dallas 113-106. 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Regardless of what you think about Stanley Johnson, one thing is for certain.

Dwane Casey is a big fan. So expect him to get the nod at the starting three-spot.

Johnson, who started 50 games for the Pistons last season, is entering his fourth year with Detroit. While still only 22 years old, his first three seasons have been largely inconsistent.

But he remains one of the team’s better defenders. And Johnson was a big reason why Detroit posted a top-10 defense (allowing just 107.3 points per 100 possessions) last year.

About 33.7 percent of his opponents’ field goal attempts came in spot-up situations. He allowed just 0.954 PPP on 37.3 percent shooting for that play type. Johnson ranks in the 66th percentile when it comes to defending spot-up attempts, giving him a “Very Good” rating from Synergy.

His offense will have to improve, and that should start with him attacking the basket instead of settling for 3-point shots.

His 3-point percentage has dropped each year he’s been in the league. Last season, it fell to a career-low 29 percent on a career-high 3.4 attempts per game.

Defenders have sagged off of Johnson on the wing, which makes life more difficult for Detroit’s front court. He must learn to play to his strengths more often.

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