Players the Detroit Pistons need to finish the roster

The Detroit Pistons have a great start on their roster, but there is still work to do.

Competition in the NBA is so fierce that any minor weakness gets exploited. Players who would dominate in any other setting are merely role players in the NBA. There are a few players whose talent level and skillset allows them to play with anybody, but most players need teammates with complementary skills.

Offensive specialists need teammates who defend. Smaller players need size. Bigger players need speed. Shooters need post players, and players who work around the rim need floor spreaders.

If we see the core of the Detroit Pistons as Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, and Jalen Duren, what complements do each of them need? What types of teammates, specific skills or talents would help each of these players be the best version of their basketball selves?

Detroit Pistons: Skillsets of the young core

Cade Cunningham is an intelligent player who wants to slow the game down and execute in the half court. He has the size to play as a point forward, and he can guard one through five, though the fastest players might put him on his heels.

Jalen Duren uses his hustle and athleticism to gather rebounds, assert his strength on putbacks, and play around the rim. He seldom had his number called last season, but he was able to score effectively through his hustle, and he often impacted the game on both ends of the floor.

Jaden Ivey has next level speed and athleticism. He often plays at the edge of control, which contributed to turnovers last season. However, he adjusted to the speed and physicality of the NBA game as the season progressed, and he showed an improved ability to play at his chosen pace and to switch gears according to what the defense gave him.

Ausar Thompson has great size and athleticism for his position. He should be an exceptional defender, and his court vision and IQ should allow him to impact the game offensively. Of all the players in the young core, Thompson should prove to be the most adaptable, the one who can fit into any lineup.

Isaiah Stewart has shown an improved ability to shoot from the outside. He might be a credible perimeter shooter going into next season, which would allow him to play the power forward position. That said, he’s proven to be a hustle defender with strong awareness. Although a bit undersized as a center, his strength and work ethic allow him to defend bigger post players.

Assuming my summaries are accurate, let’s take a look first at how the young core complements one another and then what types of veterans the team will need to maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of who these players project to be.