Detroit Pistons: 5 reasons the starting center remains Mason Plumlee

In all the recent roster projecting, people seem to forget that Mason Plumlee was the starting center for the Detroit Pistons. And he probably will be again.

With all the excitement of Cade Cunningham possibly coming to the Detroit Pistons, there are a lot of people wondering what the starting lineup will be.

Almost all of them pencil in Isaiah Stewart at center. However, one must remember that Mason Plumlee was the center last season and, barring a trade, should be again.

If you are wondering who the Pistons will start in the 2025 NBA finals against the Memphis Grizzlies, yes, Stewart will more likely be starting. Plumlee probably will be retired by then.

But if you are talking about the 2021-22 NBA season, Plumlee is the man.

Here are 5 reasons why Mason Plumlee will be the starting center of the Detroit Pistons next season:

1.  Why wouldn’t he be?

Plumlee signed a three-year, $25-million contract with Detroit last year. At the time, some people (me), thought it was a gross overpay. But Plumlee responded with maybe the best season of his eight-year career.

The 6-foot-11 center averaged 10.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists a game. He also shot a career-best 67 percent on free throws, long a weak spot.

Besides being a fine passer for a big guy, Plumlee is known for his solid pick-setting. If Cunningham is on Detroit this year, pairing him with a center who is excellent at pick-and-rolls is a must.

And the guy was named a finalist for the USA Olympic team and did play in the 2019 World Cup, Plumlee is not awful.

There is also the fairness issue: Plumlee has done nothing to cause coach Dwane Casey to demote him.