The Detroit Pistons’ best defensive lineup when they need a stop

The Detroit Pistons have made some key offseason additions that should help them on both offense and defense next season.

The loss of Jerami Grant will hurt, but the Pistons will have better options for kick-outs and lobs next season, which should hopefully lead to a more dynamic offense.

Yesterday we looked at what may be the best shooting lineup for the Pistons when they are desperate for a bucket.

But Dwayne Casey will also have the option to sub out for defense when the team needs a stop, and they should have some much better defensive lineups next season, especially when it comes to protecting the rim.

Detroit Pistons: Best defensive lineup

Dwayne Casey and the Detroit Pistons have some interesting options next season for when they need a stop late in the game.

There are definitely some names to argue here, but I would say this is the Pistons’ best defensive group:

• Cade Cunningham
• Killian Hayes
• Isaiah Livers
• Isaiah Stewart
• Nerlens Noel

Cade Cunningham is pretty much going to be a part of any of the “Best” lineups, as he is the best two-way player on the Detroit Pistons and has enough versatility to defend several spots.

Killian Hayes is the Pistons’ best defensive guard, and can take on either guard spot, giving the Pistons a chance to stop the other team’s best guard.

The small forward spot is definitely arguable, as Saddiq Bey could also be put here, but I feel Bey is better at defending fours, and that Livers is a slightly better team defender who is very vocal, calls out switches and is usually in the right place.

Beef Stew playing the four is something the Pistons are going to experiment with next season and he is probably ready to take on that role defensively already. Stewart is quick enough to guard perimeter forwards but also strong enough to take on the post.

As of right now, Nerlens Noel is the team’s best rim protector, especially in short spurts. He’s still decent at switching on the perimeter, so gives the Pistons another guy who can move in or out to affect shots.

This group is long, versatile and should be able to block plenty of shots and put on the clamps on the perimeter when the Pistons are trying to get a stop.