Three Detroit Pistons who could see increased roles in 2019-2020

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DETROIT, MI – APRIL 9: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

This is not a remarkable or bold claim. Luke Kennard has been due for more playing time after displaying a newfound confidence near the end of last season.

Despite a slow start in the Pistons first preseason game against Orlando, Kennard quickly found his stride against Dallas, posting a team-high 19 points on 6- 8 shooting.

Kennard’s confidence, and subsequent success, has earned him a lot of sudden attention–some even calling for him to land a starting role. As the team’s best and most reliable three point shooter (a team trying to form a three-point shooting identity), on paper I agree that Kennard is worthy of a starting role. However, I don’t agree that, strategically, starting Kennard is the best move for the Pistons to make.

Luke Kennard currently sits at 39.8% in his career from 3-point range.

With a minimum of 200 attempts, that ranks 1st among the 2017 draft class.

With a minimum of 100 attempts, that ranks 1st in Pistons history for a player in his first 2 career seasons.
— Austin Drake (@austin_drake) March 22, 2019

Throughout the preseason, Kennard and Rose played together in a way that seemed built on natural chemistry. In a comeback against Dallas, the two combined for 37 points while only needing 20 shots. This kind of efficiency will be crucial for the Pistons off the bench, and a welcome change after suffering through offensive lulls with last year’s bench squad.

However, I don’t think Kennard will be cast into a role he’s served in his first two seasons. Although he won’t start (it seems that role will go again go to Bruce Brown), Kennard will likely be called on to finish games, especially when offense is needed. A small-ball lineup is something Casey toyed with during the preseason and seems keen on carrying into the regular season.

Casey on the Rose-Jackson-Luke-Drummond-Griffin lineup: "We had three pick-and-roll players in the game, and that gives you a different look."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) October 10, 2019

If Casey does, expect Kennard’s minutes to jump from the 21.3 he averaged over his first two seasons and hover around the 28-30 range.

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