Detroit Pistons: Starting lineup vs. Thunder will be the youngest of season
Fans of the Detroit Pistons have been waiting all season for coach Dwane Casey to unleash a lineup of all young players.
Casey has been reluctant to do so, stubbornly sticking with his veterans even though several of them probably won’t be with the team next season.
Some of us have been clamoring for Casey to finally use the young core together so that they can start building chemistry for next season.
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I’ve personally seen enough of Wayne Ellington, Cory Joseph, Rodney McGruder and even Dennis Smith Jr.
Fans have been dying to see Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes and Isaiah Stewart aka “the future of the team” actually play some minutes together.
Well tonight we will finally get our wish!
The Detroit Pistons will be very shorthanded against the Thunder which is going to force Casey’s hand. Here is the starting lineup I hope we get to see.
Detroit Pistons: Starting lineup vs. the OKC Thunder
The Pistons will be missing Jerami Grant, Dennis Smith Jr., Mason Plumlee, Rodney McGruder, Cory Joseph and Wayne Ellington for this game vs. the Thunder.
First off, way to lean into the tank, Pistons! This is a game they need to lose, so it won’t hurt to have six guys sitting on the bench.
Secondly, finally! We should get to see some version of the starting lineup that doesn’t feature veteran players who will not be on the team next season. Here is what I expect to see:
PG: Killian Hayes
SG: Frank Jackson
SF: Josh Jackson
PF: Saddiq Bey
C: Isaiah Stewart
Of course, Casey has a lot of other options. He could start Sekou Doumbouya at the four and bring one of the Jacksons off the bench.
He could start Hamidou Diallo in place of Frank Jackson and roll with a very switchable and athletic defensive starting lineup.
He could also start Saben Lee, which is something I thought should have happened a long time ago.
With literally no veterans to use, Dwane Casey is going to be forced to give fans what they’ve wanted all season, which is a chance to see the young core play together.
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