Training camp hasn’t even started yet (it tips off today) but the Detroit Pistons have already been dealt an injury.
The team confirmed reports that Isaiah Livers has sprained his ankle and will miss 6-8 weeks, potentially sidelining him for at least the first month of the regular season.
It’s another tough break for Livers, who will be in street clothes to start the season for the third straight year. You have to wonder about his future in Detroit, as he hasn’t been able to stay on the floor (going back to his college days) and is already 25 years old, so the clock is ticking.
While Livers was unlikely to be in the starting lineup, he had a chance to be a key part of the rotation, as the Pistons are thin at forward and need guys who can play the four, especially off the bench.
His injury could force new head coach Monty Williams into some tough decisions when it comes to the depth chart.
Detroit Pistons depth chart with Isaiah Livers
There has been plenty of debate about who will start and come off the bench for the Detroit Pistons, arguments that will likely be settled in training camp.
But this was the likely depth chart before Livers got hurt:
- Cade Cunningham/Monte Morris
- Jaden Ivey/Alec Burks
- Bojan Bogdanovic/Ausar Thompson
- Isaiah Stewart/Isaiah Livers
- Jalen Duren/James Wiseman
There are plenty of configurations Monty Williams could have used, but losing Livers is big, as his shooting could give the Pistons lineup options that could really unlock Cade Cunningham.
So Williams will have to pivot before training camp has even started, but does have some options.