Which Pistons’ big men will thrive or be doomed under Monty Williams?

Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren under Monty Williams

The two centers who seem like obvious fits in Monty Williams’ system and coaching style are Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren.

Coach Williams is going to love Beef Stew, who always gives max effort on defense and is the kind of versatile big man he has leaned on in the past. If Stewart can hit 35 percent of his 3-point shots, I could see him being the big who gets the most minutes next season.

Williams should also be able to get more out of Stewart as a passer, an area where he did improve some last season. Stewart is going to thrive in a system that has him catch the ball and either shoot immediately or keep it moving, and Williams is going to love his defensive versatility and tenacity.

The biggest surprise about Jalen Duren last season was how far along his passing was. He is not a big man who likes to hold the ball in the middle, and was very good at finding cutters and kicking out to open shooters. He averaged over an assist per game as the youngest player in the league and showed the ability to make quick decisions with the ball.

Duren needs to make huge improvements on defense (and should under coach Williams) but the effort is definitely there, especially on the defensive glass. He has the athleticism to be a top defender, which is something Pistons’ fans should really be excited about with coach Williams on board.