It’s almost easier to name the Detroit Pistons who aren’t injured right now than the ones who are, as Jaden Ivey, Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser are ruled out for tonight’s game against the 76ers and Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham are all listed as questionable.
In the cases of Cunningham, Duren and Thompson, they need these guys back as soon as possible, as they are the core the Pistons are building around, and you can add Isaiah Stewart to that list as well.
But that may not be the case for the remainder of the Pistons' injury report, as the rest are players Detroit may have to live without.
Marcus Sasser
Sasser’s recent injury update was not what he was hoping to hear, as he’ll be re-evaluated in another month, which makes you wonder if he’s played his last game for Detroit.
This is a shame for Sasser, who would definitely be in the rotation right now with all of the injuries, and even though they are off to a 10-2 start, the Pistons could use his scoring.
But given his injury timeline and the emergence of Daniss Jenkins, Sasser’s future in Detroit is looking murky at best.
Jaden Ivey
Ivey is supposed to be re-evaluated soon, and we are all hoping for good news here, as the Pistons definitely need him.
But he’s headed into restricted free agency, so even if he comes back soon, he may not be with the team past the trade deadline, as a healthy Ivey is one of their best trade assets.
As much as everyone wants to see Ivey back, let's face facts, the Pistons have been just fine without him, even though there is no doubt they could use his scoring.
If the Pistons are going to make a big move, Ivey will almost certainly be part of it, but that can only happen if he gets healthy. Detroit made the playoffs with Ivey last season and are in first place without him in this one. That doesn’t mean they are better off without Ivey, because they aren’t, but it shows that he might be a luxury they could use for an upgrade somewhere else.
It’s too early to anoint Daniss Jenkins a rotation player, but if they can get production from a guy like him who is making a fraction of what Ivey can command, it would allow them to invest elsewhere.
I hope Ivey comes back healthy, and it all works out, but I am starting to have doubts about his future in Detroit.
Tobias Harris
The Pistons need Harris as well, but Isaiah Stewart has played well in his absence (until he got hurt) and Harris is on an expiring contract that will make him an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Given his is the biggest expiring contract that they have, Harris would almost need to be included in any big trade to make the money work. Harris has been very good for Detroit, but these circumstances are what they are.
The Pistons still need an upgrade at the position, even if they think Beef Stew is the long-term answer, as he has not been able to consistently stay healthy in his career and even though his shooting has been great this season, he’s still not a dynamic offensive option.
Obviously, we all want these guys back as soon as possible, but the Pistons are getting a look at what life might be like without certain players whose contract situations make their futures unclear.