2 Pistons trying to defend their way into the starting lineup

JB Bickerstaff has talked a lot about establishing a defensive identity for the Detroit Pistons, a promise we have heard many times before. 

He said it again after the preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks, saying he wanted the Pistons to be one of the most physical teams in the NBA. 

The Pistons’ defense did look better after the first quarter in the first preseason game vs. Milwaukee, and a couple of players were responsible for that, guys who have an argument for more playing time moving forward. 

With Ausar Thompson out until he is cleared, which could be soon or could be weeks, there is an open spot in the starting lineup and we could see some re-shuffling before the games get real. 

Two Pistons stood out on defense, so if they truly want to establish a defensive identity, we may see more of them as the preseason progresses, possibly in the starting five. 

Ron Holland II 

The rookie made a noticeable impact on the defensive end right away, hounding ballhandlers the length of the court, switching all over the place and getting a highlight steal for a Euro-step finish at the other end. 

The Pistons got down early and looked like they were going to get blown off the court, partially because Damian Lillard came out hot and determined. That all ended when the bench unit came in, the Pistons’ defense settled down and they were able to get back into the game. 

They can’t afford to get down big early when the games are real, so with Ausar Thompson out, Holland could see more time. It’s doubtful we see him in the starting five, but we could see him playing close to starter’s minutes if he continues playing well. 

Isaiah Stewart 

Stewart is going to play starter’s minutes most nights, and probably doesn’t care if he is a starter or not, but he has an argument. 

The Pistons were a better team with Stewart on the floor, especially defensively, he hit 3-of-4 shots and made a nice dish off a cut that led to a 3-point shot after some crisp ball movement from Ron Holland. 

Duren did what he does, which was grab rebounds and he did add a blocked shot and a steal, but he struggled to defend away from the hoop and committed three fouls in just 23 minutes, both problems he had last season. 

Coach Bickerstaff may want to keep Stewart and Holland coming off the bench for now, as their energy can change games, but Beef Stew in particular has a chance to play his way into more minutes and even a starting job.  

At the very least, we’ll likely see a more even distribution of minutes, and also a bit of Paul Reed, who managed to rack up four steals and two blocks in 15 minutes vs. Milwaukee. 

The big man minutes will be something to watch in game two, as JB Bickerstaff tries to balance his defense vs. what Duren brings on offense and the boards. Don’t think Jalen Duren doesn’t know this, so I expect to see max effort from him tonight against the Suns.