Detroit Pistons: Who should start at power forward?

We are only two games into Summer League and there are already some interesting positional battles brewing for the Detroit Pistons.

There are really only two locks for the opening night starting lineup in Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey, but other than that, the rotation is fairly wide open.

Jaden Ivey looked amazing in his brief Summer League run, but you have to wonder how this ankle injury is going to affect his offseason and progress. If he is completely healthy, I think we’ll see him in the starting five too.

The center position is a little more unclear, though 18-year-old rookie Jalen Duren has certainly made his case with impressive outings in both games despite not having practiced with the team previously.

That leaves power forward as the position that is most up for grabs, and you can make a case for several guys.

Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart at power forward

Beef Stew has started at power forward in the first two Summer League games and the results have been encouraging.

He has taken and made more 3-point shots, and has looked comfortable on the perimeter on both ends.

I think the Detroit Pistons would love to have both him and Duren on the floor at the same time, as it will give them two plus defenders and rebounders, but it will all come down to whether this creates space issues for the guards.

If Stewart continues to prove he can shoot, I think he’s the guy, as his all-around defense, intensity and effort coupled with Duren’s rim protection might give the Pistons their best defense.

Stewart could also start at power forward with veteran Nerlens Noel at center if the Pistons don’t think Duren is ready. But so far it looks like they may have their front court of the future already and the defensive upside of these two together is tantalizing.

Stewart is going to play plenty at both spots and should give the Detroit Pistons plenty of options.