Detroit Pistons: 2 best positional battles of the preseason so far

Detroit Pistons: Cory Joseph vs. Saben Lee

This is another classic high-ceiling young player vs. veteran battle that will likely go to the veteran.

Lee got the start with Cunningham and Hayes both out with injury, but he’s another guy who will likely bounce back and forth with the G-League team this season. Lee only scored 3 points in the first preseason game, though he did add two blocks and two steals, while Joseph looked in mid-season form, dropping 14 points and six assists.

Lee is much more explosive than Joseph but CJ knows how to use his size and strength along with hesitation moves to get where he wants on the floor. He is a savvy player who has really been nothing but impressive as the backup point guard since joining the Detroit Pistons.

With two 20-year-old playmakers already in the starting five, the Pistons need more of a veteran presence and Joseph can be a good mentor to the two young guards.

The offense was noticeably more fluid with Joseph at point and I think he’s going to get a lot of clutch-time minutes in close games, probably at the expense of Killian Hayes.

Lee will definitely get some run this season and the Pistons are still high on his potential but for now, Joseph is a calming presence and is very solid.

Advantage: Cory Joseph

The two youngsters will definitely get their chance to make an impression in preseason and could win these spots over time, but for now experience is winning. It will be interesting to see if any new battles emerge in game two.