Which Detroit Pistons will play on NBA All-Star weekend?

There is more to the NBA All-Star game than the actual game of all-stars. With the return of a ‘normal’ all-star weekend, there should be a few Detroit Pistons in action for a number of events.

Last year, even having just the All-Star game was a bit controversial. This season, even though many more players have been sidelined by COVID-19, there is planned a full All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, from Feb. 18-20.

Among the events are: the Rising Stars game, Skills Challenge, three-point contest and slam dunk competition, in addition to the actual all-star game. It would not be surprising to see some Pistons participate.

The only Detroit player who would have has a chance being named an All-Star was Jerami Grant. However his month-long absence due to a thumb injury probably sank whatever prospects he had.

But Detroit can be represented in the other events, as some seem to be a good fit for certain players. Let us run them down:

Detroit Pistons who could be in NBA All-Star Weekend

Rising Stars Game:

Possibilities:

• Saddiq Bey
• Cade Cunningham
• Isaiah Stewart
• Killian Hayes

Best Bet: Cade Cunningham

Reasoning: Bey and Stewart each made All-Rookie and were members of the USA Select team, so each should be considered. However, Stewart has not had a big year statistically, and they look at stuff like that. Bey is playing well and definitely has a shot.

Cade Cunningham, as the No. 1 pick, and someone also doing well statistically, has a very good chance of making it.

The format is USA vs. World for players in their first or second year. As a native of France, Hayes might have a chance as a foreign player who starts.

Three-point contest

Possibilities:

• Cory Joseph
• Frank Jackson
• Kelly Olynyk
• Saddiq Bey

Beat Bet: Cory Joseph

Reasoning: Don’t look now, but Joseph is hitting 44.3-percent of his three-point attempts. He has had some big games making threes of late. Going by the stats, Joseph would get the call.

Jackson and Olynyk have past records of being good three-point shooters. Bey set rookie records for three pointers made last season, although he is not hitting them as well this year. But Bey will probably be there anyhow for the Rising Stars, why not throw him in?

But it would not be shocking if no Pistons made it. Three-pointers not really their thing this season.

Dunk contest

Possibilities:

• Hamidou Diallo
• Josh Jackson
• Saben Lee

Best Bet: Hamidou Diallo

Reasoning: Diallo was the 2019 Slam Dunk Champion so no reason not to invite him again. He can slam it over Shaquille O’Neal once again. Josh Jackson can also get up for major slams. He would be a worthy participant.

As for Saben Lee, Pistons fans know he loves dunking in games, might as well have him do it in a contest.

https://twitter.com/DetroitPistons/status/1465032870670614533

Skills challenge

Possibilities:

• Jerami Grant
• Cade Cunningham

Best Bet: Jerami Grant

Reasoning: In terms of all-around skill, Cunningham and Grant are tops on the Pistons. It is that ability to stand out in all facets of the game that made Cunningham unique. Grant should be fine to play by the All-Star Weekend.

Who gets invited to this is pretty much up to the NBA league office. We will say Grant has the best chance to get in, sort as a way to let him be part of All-Star Weekend,  since he had no chance to qualify for the All-Star game due to injury.

Who gets to be part of the weekend, and who gets to rest for a few days, should be decided soon. The only locks, one would think, are Diallo for slam dunk and Cunningham in the Rising Stars, but one never knows who will get in, until the invitations go out.