Detroit Pistons season preview with The Athletic’s James Edwards III

Do you think anyone on this roster could have a breakout season?

Edwards III: I think Frank Jackson could get some more national recognition as a Sixth-Man of the Year type of guy. I think that depends on Detroit’s record, but I think Frank could come off the bench and get you double figures scoring. I think he has that in him. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets there. From what we’ve seen in the preseason, he’s lighting the basket up, he’s shooting well, he’s getting to the rim. I think there’s potential there for a more nationally recognized season for Frank Jackson.

Which players are you most excited to write stories about this year?

Edwards III: Frank is one. He’s an interesting guy, very nice guy, very interesting, very unique, same with Saddiq, Isaiah Stewart, great background. Really a lot of the guys, there are some interesting stories on this team. You could go down the roster and I’ve got some stuff I want to get done with pretty much everyone. It’s a good group, good personalities, all interesting backgrounds, so I’m looking forward to covering this team in person.

What do you see as the next step for this team as they try to continue their restoration?

Edwards III: Establishing who is going to be here long-term and who is not. I don’t think they’re going to do a ton of winning this year. With all their cap space coming up I think they’re going to try to have a good idea on who’s going to be here long-term, who maybe they want to cut bait on. I think maybe quicker than expected they’re going to make some decisions on young guys because they do have so much cap space coming up. I think that they’re establishing who is truly part of the core when you’re talking three, four years down the road from now.

What do you see as the Detroit Pistons’ ceiling this year?

Edwards III: The absolute ceiling would be being one of the play-in teams, the ninth, tenth seed. I don’t know if I’d bet money on that happening, but I think it wouldn’t be a complete shock if Detroit got one of the last two play-in spots this year.