Ranking 4 possible starting lineups for the Pistons next season

Ranking 4 possible starting lineups for the Pistons next season

#1: Fans’ choice

If I had to make a starting lineup for next season, I would choose this one, as I think it offers the most on both ends and allows players to play their natural positions and roles.

• Cade Cunningham
• Jaden Ivey
• Ausar Thompson
• Bojan Bogdanovic
• Jalen Duren

I saw enough out of Thompson in Summer League to think that he’s going to be a dynamic and disruptive defender right away, so why not pair him with the Pistons’ worst defender (Bogdanovic)?

Thompson can help cover Bojan’s deficiencies and lack of athleticism. Even with Bojan on the floor, this would be an extremely athletic group with Ivey, Thompson and Duren running from end to end. The shooting could be problematic, but count me as one who thinks Ausar will be a better shooter than advertised and that his playmaking, rim running and cutting will more than make up for lack of long-range shooting.

Bogdanovic is more comfortable guarding fours at this point in his career and would be able to create mismatches on the offensive end. This would also allow James Wiseman to just play backup center and end this ridiculous idea that he can be a power forward in the NBA.

Bagley III (or Wiseman depending on who wins the training camp battle) can be the third center and allow Stewart to be an all-purpose big and the first one off the bench. Stewart could initially sub in for Duren, allow the Pistons to go small for stretches and then slide over to the four when another big comes into the game.

Most importantly, it allows the “core four” of Cunningham, Ivey, Duren and Thompson to start getting their reps together, as this is the group that is going to make or break the future of the Detroit Pistons.