Detroit Pistons: There are only 2 locks for the opening night starting lineup

The Detroit Pistons made a flurry of moves already this offseason, bringing in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren in the draft and then making a trade for Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks to add some veteran depth.

The Pistons depth chart is still very much up in the air, as there will be a number of players competing for minutes at every position, which is often the case with young teams in the early stages of a rebuild.

In fact, when you look at the potential opening night starting lineup, there are myriad possibilities and really only two guys who are absolute locks to be there.

Detroit Pistons: Opening night starting lineup spots are still up for grabs

There are only two guys who are certain to be in the Pistons starting lineup on opening night, point guard Cade Cunningham and forward Saddiq Bey.

Where Bey will be playing is still a mystery, but we know he and Cade will be there, as they have both established themselves as cornerstones of the team. Every other position will be a battle.

Shooting guard

Most likely: Jaden Ivey

Possibilities: Alec Burks, Killian Hayes

It’s most likely that rookie Jaden Ivey will be in the starting lineup on opening night, but don’t be shocked if veteran Alec Burks is there instead.

We could even see the return of Killian Hayes, as the Pistons did last season, though it seems at this point he’ll be running the bench unit.

If the Pistons try to spread their shooting around, putting Burks with Cade Cunningham makes some sense, as he is a 40 percent shooter from long range. However, a backcourt of Ivey and Hayes also lacks shooting, so it’s more likely the #5 pick will be in the starting five unless he really struggles in preseason.