Detroit Pistons: The post-trade deadline starting lineup will tell us a lot

Rodney McGruder #17 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates with Marvin Bagley III #35 and Isaiah Livers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Rodney McGruder #17 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates with Marvin Bagley III #35 and Isaiah Livers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
2 of 3
Detroit pistons
Rodney McGruder #17 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates with Marvin Bagley III #35 and Isaiah Livers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Detroit Pistons: Are Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers starters in the NBA?

While fans will likely be clamoring to see what is considered the “young core” start together, there are a couple of guys who could spoil the party by making their own case for the starting five.

It’s quite possible that Marvin Bagley III will already be there, as I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he is the opening night starter along with Isaiah Stewart in the front court.

There are some possible spacing issues with the two unless Beef Stew can start hitting jumpers, but we will know a lot more about what the Pistons think of this pairing post-trade deadline when some of the other bigs could be on other teams.

We’ll also get a sense of how the Detroit Pistons feel about Isaiah Livers, who is likely to start the season coming off the bench, but could work his way into the starting five, especially if the Pistons struggle to shoot the 3-ball again next season.

Livers is a versatile defender who can shoot, and is another guy who will benefit from additional minutes (and possibly a starting role) if the Detroit Pistons decide to move some players at the trade deadline.