Detroit Pistons: The joys of fierce competition for minutes

Coach Monty Williams’ job as head coach of the Detroit Pistons will be a lot easier than Dwane Casey’s was.

Between the poorly balanced roster and injuries, Casey was often forced to deploy lineups that didn’t make sense. He did his best to put his guys in positions to succeed, and occasionally fans were rewarded with a competitive game or an unexpectedly exciting game against a contender who couldn’t have prepared for an out-of-position mismatch.

Next year, Williams will be able to maintain a healthy competition for minutes, reward players as deserved, and keep reserves hungry for opportunities.

Williams will also enjoy much more versatility. All of the players except for Duren, MB3, and Wiseman can play multiple positions, and I doubt both MB3 and Wiseman will remain on the roster come training camp.

Detroit Pistons: Switching on defense will make more sense

NBA offenses force switches at a higher rate than ever before. When working a half-court offense, teams look to get players out of position and force mismatches. This killed the Pistons when they used two-big lineups last year, and it has lowered the value for players like Wiseman, MB3, and blast from the past Andre Drummond.

When players compete for minutes, they’ll have more incentive to fight through screens, keep their hands up, cut off passing and driving lanes, and slide over to help.

With multiple players on the roster capable of guarding multiple positions, the Detroit Pistons should take strides defensively as young players contribute to more effective schemes, improve their awareness, and enjoy success that teaches by example.

The Pistons can prepare for specific matchups

While the competition for minutes should keep everyone focused on all the details that amount to winning basketball, an excess of competitive players will allow for matchup specific allocation of minutes.

There should be nights when Killian Hayes’ size and defense is needed. Thompson or Ivey could get in foul trouble or may need a break against an elite perimeter player. Hayes could take some of that workload.

Against teams with more size or rebounding, the Pistons could go a little larger. Against smaller teams or teams that like to deploy a small-ball lineup, Stewart could play more at center.

Not only will the Pistons enjoy a healthy competition for minutes without the need to rush their rookies’ development, but they’ll also have more flexibility to play more diverse and effective basketball, which should amount to better habits, better development, more winning, and, most important, more entertainment for the fans.