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Power ranking the 2018-19 Detroit Pistons: Who tops the list?

By Andrew Brewster

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 07: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors defends against Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2018 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. The Raptors defeat the Pistons 121-119. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 07: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors defends against Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2018 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. The Raptors defeat the Pistons 121-119. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 31: Ish Smith #14 of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 31, 2018 in New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 31: Ish Smith #14 of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 31, 2018 in New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

#7 Ish Smith

Ish Smith is a great backup point guard.

When playing with bench units, Ish is able to cut up the defense with his superb agility and vision. However, when thrust into the starting lineup, the flaws in his game start to add up. Smith is simply not a good enough shooter or defender to start on a winning basketball team.

Last season, the unfortunate reality regarding Smith’s ability to start came to a head.

When Reggie Jackson went down with injury, he was forced to start. According to Basketball-Reference, Smith actually spent the majority of his 2017-18 season in the starting lineup.

While he did bring some benefits to the starting lineup (mostly in transition), his lack of spacing and defensive shortcomings were ultimately too much to overcome, and the Pistons missed the playoffs under his guidance.

If Jackson stays healthy, expect Ish Smith to continue being one of the better bench point guards in the league. But if Jackson gets injured again this year, I think the team will look at moving Calderon to the starting spot instead of Smith, allowing him to continue playing where he is most effective.

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