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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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DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 28: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons drives against Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on February 28, 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. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 28: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons drives against Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on February 28, 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. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

#6 Stanley Johnson

This might be controversial, but I still feel that Stanley Johnson is the sixth best player on the Detroit Pistons.

In fact, I think he could be even higher on this list by the All-Star break. While many of his detractors will call him a disappointment, I look at Johnson in a different way, due in large part to his age

Last summer, I wrote an article comparing Stanley Johnson to Jimmy Butler. I chose Butler because he shares the similar physical attributes that Johnson has, along with a somewhat similar play style.

This year, Johnson enters the season at 22 years old. For context, at age 22, Butler was a rookie, playing a meager eight minutes per game for the Chicago Bulls. The reason I bring this up is to say that I still believe Stanley Johnson can grow into a more formidable offensive player.

We know that Johnson has the potential to put the ball in the basket. We just haven’t seen him put it all together for an extended stretch in the NBA.

It’s worth noting that those in the organization are very high on the small forward’s future. Coach Dwane Casey has been high on him, and this summer, Andre Drummond got into an argument with Celtics fans by comparing Johnson to Jaylen Brown.

I personally think this is the year Stanley Johnson makes it all happen.

I think he’s the best wing defender on the team, and it really won’t take much defensive improvement for him to become a positive player. Either way, the battle between him and Glenn Robinson III will be one to monitor over the preseason.

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