Pistons have roster battle brewing between two elite shooters

The Detroit Pistons were hampered by a lack of 3-point shooting last season, an issue they addressed by trading for sharpshooter Isaiah Joe from the OKC Thunder. 

The Pistons only had one elite shooting option last season in Duncan Robinson, so the addition of Joe (not to mention John Collins and Taurean Prince) should help the spacing in the half-court offense, which became an obvious problem in the playoffs. 

Joe and Robinson have similarities as movement shooters who like to come off screens. Both guys shoot a high percentage and are good at moving into the open space. 

But they also have some differences, and how coach JB Bickerstaff views those differences will determine which player ends up in the starting five. 

It’s been assumed that Robinson would keep his starting role from last season, but Joe could challenge for that spot if coach Bickerstaff wants a different look. 

Isaiah Joe’s defense vs. Duncan Robinson’s passing 

Joe is mostly a spot-up shooter and not a guy who is going to create much off the bounce or set up teammates with passing. 

Despite what some may think, Robinson is actually a good connector, as he keeps the ball moving when his shot is not there. He’s also improved off the bounce when it comes to attacking close outs, so I do think Robinson has a more versatile offensive game. 

But Joe is clearly the better defender of the two, and Robinson’s defense was a point of emphasis in the playoffs when he was continually targeted. Robinson held up at times, but JB Bickerstaff may like the idea of having a better defender in the starting five that doesn’t cost him anything when it comes to shooting. 

This will also be true in clutch time when he needs shooting on the floor but doesn't want to leave a vulnerable defender like Robinson.

Joe isn’t the all-world defender that some of his OKC teammates are, but he’s far better than Robinson, and effectively uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and play solid team defense. 

Joe isn’t an All-Defense candidate but he’s not a target either, and putting him in the starting five would give the Pistons an even stronger perimeter defense without sacrificing any shooting. 

My guess is that Robinson will start the season in the starting five, but Joe will eventually end up playing equal or more minutes per game.  

We may also see the two play together at times if the Pistons want to get max shooting on the floor, as they could surround Cade/Ausar or Cade/Duren with Robinson, Joe and Collins to really open up the half court and make it impossible to pack the lane as so many teams did last season. 

It’s a good problem to have, and one the Pistons have badly needed, as they haven’t had two elite shooters at the same time in Cade Cunningham’s career. 

This will be one of the more interesting roster battles, as both guys are elite shooters, but do bring different things to the table on both ends. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow