Detroit Pistons: Why Isaiah Stewart should start over Kelly Olynyk
The Detroit Pistons have two versatile bigs in Isaiah Stewart and Kelly Olynyk but only one of them can be in the starting lineup.
The arguments for Kelly Olynyk are easy: He will add shooting to the starting unit and help the development of their young guards.
Both Killian Hayes and Cade Cunningham will benefit from the space Olynyk’s shooting creates, and he is very good in the pick-and-roll, which will make the half court offense easier.
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Olynyk is going to play starter’s minutes whether he comes off the bench or not and may end up playing more than Isaiah Stewart either way, as Stewart has had an issue with foul trouble, something he can hopefully overcome with the tutelage of Ben Wallace.
Both Olynyk and Stewart are going to get plenty of run, as both can play power forward as well as center and they may even get some time on the floor together.
But for now, there are some compelling reasons to put Beef Stew in the starting lineup for the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit Pistons: The starting five will set the defensive tone
At media day, Isaiah Stewart mentioned that the Pistons success will start on the defensive end, which is the most compelling reason to put him in the starting lineup.
The Pistons were 10th in points allowed last season and are clearly trying to around that strength. Troy Weaver has gone after long and athletic defenders like Hamidou Diallo and Josh Jackson precisely because of their defensive versatility.
The Pistons’ backcourt will be young, but they are both good defenders, who along with Saddiq Bey and Jerami Grant will make a formidable perimeter defense that can switch on about anyone.
Stewart is the best defensive complement to this group, as he too can switch on the perimeter and defend 1-5 effectively. This will allow the Detroit Pistons to set the tone for the game and establish their defense.
The young team is going to struggle offensively at times, but defense is something that will show up every night, so the Pistons should get their best five defenders on the floor right away.