Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from loss to the Portland Trail Blazers

Detroit Pistons: Saben Lee vs. Frank Jackson

I wrote about the positional battles for the Detroit Pistons and who the frontrunners are for future roster spots.

The Pistons currently have three point guards fighting for two likely spots, as Dennis Smith Jr., Saben Lee and Frank Jackson have all shown signs that they can be competent back ups.

None of them really helped their case last night, as Smith Jr. is still out with injury and Lee and Jackson both had off nights shooting.

Personally, I like what I’ve seen from Lee and Jackson more than Smith Jr. but none of them have been great, so Pistons’ fans really need to be more realistic.

I actually had a fan tell me the Pistons shouldn’t draft a point guard because they have TOO MUCH TALENT ALREADY. What?!  This is the second-worst team in the NBA, they don’t have nearly enough talent, sorry.

You don’t make roster decisions based on a few nice moments from guys who would undoubtedly be in the G-League in a normal season.

These guys have been ok, but let’s not get carried away. The Pistons are still terrible and must draft for talent, not need.

Detroit Pistons: Sekou Doumbouya vs. Tyler Cook

Doumbouya didn’t play in this one due to an illness, but he probably wouldn’t have played anyway, so it wasn’t a big loss.

Tyler Cook still has the advantage in this one, mostly because he has looked like a semi-competent NBA player when he’s been on the floor.

Cook had the worst +/- on the team against Portland, so he didn’t help himself much even though Doumbouya didn’t play. I could definitely see Cook getting a look next season but this battle is still far too early to call.

But there is one more positional battle that hasn’t been close.