Pistons: Who should start at guard with Cade Cunningham? A case for each guy
When the Detroit Pistons took Cade Cunningham with the number one pick, they hoped they were finally getting their franchise player.
He’s the first Piston with superstar potential in a long time and Cade is going to get the chance to lead the team and be an icon in Detroit.
He’s going to be in the starting lineup, and should be doing most of the playmaking on offense. He has the skill and size to be an impact player right away but he is best when he is running the show, using pick-and-roll or iso moves to set up teammates or get his own shot.
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The Pistons can’t just stick him in the corner to shoot 3-pointers (as they sometimes did in Summer League), as it would be a waste of his skill, which is why Cade Cunningham is ultimately going to be the point guard on this team.
That leaves another guard spot in the starting lineup, and I think there is an argument that any one of four guys could end up in it before the season is over.
Detroit Pistons: The case for Killian Hayes in the starting lineup with Cade Cunningham
I think most fans of the Detroit Pistons hope that the two young point guards can find a way to play together.
We’ve talked about this a lot, but unless Hayes can do more than just pass, I don’t see him as a great fit with Cunningham in the starting five.
The case for him is that Hayes is very good defensively and the Pistons could have an elite defensive backcourt. Hayes has also shown himself to be a very good passer who can set up teammates and make spectacular passes in transition.
If he can shoot just a little, he’ll be the guy, as the Pistons will give him a chance to show he and Cade Cunningham are a good match for the long term. Either way, Hayes is going to get plenty of minutes but there might be some other guys better suited for the starting lineup.