How Does Tony Snell Fit Into The Detroit Pistons’ Starting Lineup?

Detroit Pistons Tony Snell. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons Tony Snell. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 14: Tony Snell #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Detroit Pistons during Game One of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2019 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 14: Tony Snell #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Detroit Pistons during Game One of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2019 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Detroit Pistons recently acquired 3-and-D small forward Tony Snell. How will he fit into the starting lineup this season?

When Tony Snell was acquired for Jon Leuer on June 20th he was expected to slot in as the day-one starter for the 2019-20 season.

The Snell acquisition came as a pleasant surprise to Pistons’ fans as it meant that Leuer’s seemingly immovable contract was off the books. Snell has a large contract himself, going into the third and final guaranteed year of the four year, $46 million contract he signed back in 2017 before he has a player option in 2020-21. This is considered a victory as Leuer was in the midst of a four year, $41 million contract that was set to expire after this upcoming season.

At first glance, it may seem somewhat questionable that the Pistons moved Leuer for a more expensive contract that could potentially extend further than Leuer’s contract (Snell has player option for 2020-21 season). The key is that on the Pistons, Leuer was a bench warmer that rarely saw time on the floor, when healthy.

Snell, 27, is a player that fits perfectly with the Pistons starting lineup and will be a great complementary piece alongside Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond.