5 Questions hanging over the Detroit Pistons before the 2023-24 season

5 Questions hanging over the Detroit Pistons

#2: Is Isaiah Stewart a starting power forward?

This question is slightly less important, as Stewart can be an effective backup big even if he isn’t ideal in the starting power forward role. But right now it matters, as Detroit needs him to be able to hit shots, otherwise teams are just going to pack the lane and dare him to shoot it. This is especially true early in the season with Bogdanovic and Morris out, as they are two of the Pistons’ best shooters. Monty Williams clearly likes Stewart’s defense, but if he can’t provide much on offense, his destiny is to be a versatile backup big, which is ok. But for the start of the season (or until the Pistons get a real power forward) their offense will rely a lot on Stewart, which is frankly scary.

#3: Is Killian Hayes for real?

I want to believe that Killian Hayes’ play in the preseason matters and that he is ready to make a big leap this season, but count me as skeptical until I see it consistently in real games.

Hayes has looked more confident and comfortable so far this season and he has the type of defense that Monty Williams will reward.

We had all but written Killian off, so getting anything from him would be a bonus, but if he can actually be an impact backup guard, it does open up some other options for the Detroit Pistons when it comes to Jaden Ivey.