Aside from Jaden Ivey’s unfortunate injury, the Detroit Pistons had a good run of health last year, which was a big part of their unexpected trip to the playoffs. But the truth of the matter is that they can’t count on that to happen again and are one major injury away from disaster.
Cade Cunningham played 70 games for the first time in his career, Jalen Duren played 78 and Isaiah Stewart appeared in 72 games after playing in just 90 combined in the two seasons prior, likely because of how JB Bickerstaff limited his minutes.
Trajan Langdon looked specifically for veterans who didn’t miss games and got them in Malik Beasley (82), Tim Hardaway Jr. (77) and Tobias Harris (73), who all lived up to their reputations as reliable players.
Ron Holland II played in 81 games and would have been in them all had he not gotten suspended and even Ausar Thompson played 59 games after having to miss the early season recovering from blood clots.
I hate even talking about injuries, as I don’t want to will them into existence, but they are part of the game, and the Pistons could be walking on a razor’s edge.
Cade Cunningham and the second star
If the worst-case scenario, which I am not even going to write, were to happen, the Pistons do not have a proven second star to carry them.
It’s troubling considering a certain player’s track record when it comes to injuries, though that seems less of a concern since he had his shin problem fixed with surgery.
Let’s hope that continues and we won’t even have to think about this. NEXT!
Detroit Pistons’ center depth
As we saw in the playoffs, it only takes one injury to a center to put the Pistons in a tough position. I think it’s fair to say that Detroit might have won their series against the Knicks had Isaiah Stewart not gotten injured, but it will remain a “what-if.”
Paul Reed is a capable enough backup as he proved in Philly and last season at times for the Pistons, but Detroit is already small, so any injury to a big man would be felt.
Duren has been a rock so far, but Stewart is a concern, especially with his style of play and history of injuries. He’ll now be coming off one to start the offseason, which has to be a concern for the Pistons.
Power forward is thin
Tobias Harris is really the only power forward on the roster, a 33-year-old on an expiring contract. He has little to no injury history in his past, a model of consistency, and he will need to be, as the Pistons don’t have any depth at the four.
Luckily, the Pistons have the financial flexibility to make an emergency move if they needed to, but you never want to be making trades out of desperation.
With some of their reliable veterans looking for jobs or playing for other teams, depth is a concern, and the Pistons will need another season of favorable health.