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

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AUBURN HILLS, MI – OCTOBER 4: Jon Leuer #30 of the Detroit Pistons dunks against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on October 4, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

#9 Jon Leuer

Jon Leuer isn’t the best player on the Detroit Pistons, but he might be the most important.

Leuer is a theoretically competent shooter who can play both power forward and center. This means that he is the perfect type of player to be featured alongside of either Blake Griffin or Andre Drummond.

In a perfect world, Leuer would allow coach Dwane Casey to stagger Griffin and Drummond’s minutes. When Drummond is in, Leuer is a four. When Griffin is in, he’s a five.

However, in order for this to happen, Leuer needs to actually play. The Pistons’ big man suffered a meniscus tear this summer but is reported to be on pace to return by training camp.

On top of this, Leuer hasn’t really demonstrated his ability to recreate the impressive shooting he displayed in Phoenix before coming to Detroit.

In the 2015-16 season, Leuer shot 38 percent from three on 1.6 attempts per game. The following season in Detroit? Just 29 percent on 2.2 attempts per game. If that doesn’t improve, his return might not be the help that the team needs, and that could have a large impact on the eventual lineups we see on the floor.

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