Division rivals are providing a blueprint for the Detroit Pistons

Blueprint for the Detroit Pistons

While Detroit’s season remains bleak, their recent draft picks and current roster signify Troy Weaver may be embracing some of the same principles as the Pistons’ division counterparts.

This is exemplified when looking at the length of Detroit’s traditional projected starting five, that we unfortunately haven’t been able to see too much of.

Cade Cunnigham, Jerami Grant, and Isaiah Stewart all possess wingspan over 7-feet. Killian Hayes has a wingspan of 6-foot-8, and Saddiq Bey has a wingspan of 6-foot-11.

Height- wise, the shortest player in this lineup is Killian Hayes, at 6-foot-5.

More importantly, this lineup consists of four players that are capable of operating on the perimeter, and creating opportunities for themselves, or others.

In conjunction with having a large lineup with the potential to pose major problems defensively, stretching the floor on offense, and having multiple playmakers on the floor is a necessity, and this lineup potentially provides that, though we’ve yet to see much of it this season.

It’s also important to note that the top three prospects in next year’s draft (Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari SmithW) are all over 6-foot-10, with the potential to be inside-outside forces on the offensive end, and with the intangibles to immediately contribute on the defensive end.

While it’s still incredibly early, Cleveland’s newfound success, and Milwaukee’s rise has provided a blueprint to win while diverting from the common tactics other franchises are utilizing.

Most importantly, both teams have proved that emphasizing length and height doesn’t mean negating, or even compromising, skill, outside shooting, or playmaking. In an era that’s built upon versatility, these factors are almost always still apparent, particularly with forwards and guards.

Although the season has been rough, Detroit’s most recent picks in the last two drafts convey a sense of direction in the kind of roster Weaver is looking to build.

The roster may not have three big men like Cleveland’s, or a physical specimen like Milwaukee’s, but it has several intriguing young players, along with a first pick, that all fit within the same blueprint of length, size, and skill. It’s still incredibly early, but it’s a promising start.