Updating the Detroit Pistons roster and who should start

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The Power Forwards

Blake Griffin, Markieff Morris, Thon Maker, Michael Beasley, Christian Wood

Blake Griffin is a lock to start for the Detroit Pistons this season after the best season of his nine-year career.

Through 75 games last season he managed 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He is the locker room leader, and the undisputed star player for the Detroit Pistons. He played the most games (75) since his fourth year in the league last season. Look for him to have another offseason where he can actually work and not rehab various injuries, and have another fantastic season leading his Detroit Pistons.

Related Story. How Markieff Morris will impact the Pistons. light

Markieff Morris was specifically acquired by the Detroit Pistons this offseason to bring some scoring and toughness off the bench. In 21 minutes he averaged 9.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists per game in 58 games. He did struggle with injury last season and will be looking to have a healthy season and to show the league what he can do again.

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Thon Maker is a controversial figure for the Detroit Pistons who averaged 5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists in 15.2 minutes per game over 29 games for Detroit, and 64 for the season. The word potential will get thrown around a lot. If he can get a bit stronger that will go a long way in his improvement. He shows good instincts defensively and has shown an ability to shoot. Hopefully he continues to improve.

Michael Beasley is the most recently acquired player on the roster and most recently averaged 7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1 assist in 10.7 minutes per game over 26 games with the Lakers. He is a player that is known for his bucket getting, and his not so cerebral approach. He once tried to check into an NBA game wearing his practice shorts.

Related Story. Christian Wood Q&A: What he brings to the Pistons. light

Christian Wood was picked up off waivers by the Detroit Pistons and averaged 8.2 points, 4 rebounds, 0.4 assists in 12 minutes (per game) over the season. However there was a bit of buzz around him at the end of last season as he played eight games (of his 21) for the Pelicans where he averaged 16.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. The 23-year-old big man has also dominated the G-League.

In the fight for backup Power Forward, I choose Morris. His style of play embodies Detroit and also bodes well for a pretty solid bench unit. His toughness and rebounding pairs is a big positive, as is his scoring ability.

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