Detroit Pistons: Don’t underestimate the veterans

Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots on Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) in Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Bojan Bogdanovic, Joe Harris, Monte Morris, and Alec Burks all provide the Detroit Pistons with veteran versatility. In competitive games, and we hope they all are, there shouldn’t be a minute played without one of these four on the floor helping the young guys adjust, focus, and notice details.

Detroit Pistons: Sharpshooting and smarts

Bogdanovic was the team’s top scorer last season, and his intelligence helps him play competent team defense. He knows where he needs to be, and he gets there before the opposition. He shoots well, and he helps balance Detroit’s offense.

Whether Bogdanovic plays a small ball four or a slow three should depend on matchups, but his place on the floor will help the younger players develop.

Detroit desperately needs Joe Harris’ shooting. His contributions should keep the floor nice and big. Defenders will need to stay home on Detroit’s veteran shooters, something they didn’t need to do last year with any of the younger players.

Alec Burks, like Bogdanovic and Harris, will help spread the floor. He also provides an intelligent player who can create his own shot, especially when matched up against bench players.

Monte Morris plays well at the point. While he doesn’t have the speed or athleticism to break down top-tier talent, he won’t make costly plays, and he won’t push the ball beyond his control. He’s an intelligent, veteran player who knows how to play within his game. That type of sturdy backup play will help stabilize the second unit.