5 Detroit Pistons storylines to watch in 2019-20

2. Playbook and Rotations

Dwane Casey inherited an unbalanced roster with little shooting or wing talent. Even with these limitations Casey was able to check off the organizational goals of winning more games and making it back into the playoffs in his first season. I’d give Casey’s first year a solid B- given the limitations of the roster that he had nothing to do with. That doesn’t mean there weren’t things to criticize.

Casey’s offense was often predictable, stagnant and the Pistons relied far too heavily on superstar Blake Griffin to carry the offensive load, which was evident when he broke down late in the season. The Pistons’ offense was not creative and may have been one of the most boring in the NBA.

With a more balanced roster and more depth, Casey will be under a lot more pressure to find ways for his team to score. The honeymoon is over. Casey has to be more creative, find ways to score without Griffin, inject more movement and passing into the offense and use more diverse lineups.

Rotations are going to be part of the story. Who will get minutes at backup small forward and center? How will Casey use Markieff Morris and Thon Maker? Will Luke Kennard and Bruce Brown see time at small forward? Can he figure out ways to use Griffin and Kennard together more often? Can he work Doumbouya into the rotation at some point in the season?

Casey’s playbook and rotations are going to be under heavy scrutiny all year and will be an ongoing story.