Although the Pistons haven’t added a star running mate to their backcourt alongside Cade Cunningham, they do have some solid options at shooting guard. Duncan Robinson started 77 games for Detroit in that spot last season, but could quickly see his role threatened by newcomer Isaiah Joe. Joe not only brings similar lethal shooting as Robinson, but also has greater defensive chops.
Joe could force his way into the starting lineup
Joe's shooting numbers were about as good as anyone in the NBA last season - 42% from deep on 6 attempts per game. He did that in just 21 minutes per game too, so the Pistons are hoping his shooting volume and accuracy will roughly hold steady in a bigger role. Shooting is obviously the most premium trait for Pistons wings, so Joe can see the floor for more minutes based on that alone.
But he has an additional advantage compared to Duncan Robinson, who was forced to prop up the team's shooting last season. Joe is a much better defender than Robinson, despite being a bit smaller; Joe is listed as 6'4" and 165lbs, while Robinson is 6'7" and 215lbs. But Joe holds his own on defense thanks to his quick feet and pesky hands.
Robinson's biggest weakness in the playoffs ended up being his defensive woes, which the Magic and Cavaliers both targeted repeatedly. However, the Pistons were forced to keep him on the floor because nobody else on the team could give them the same spacing and shooting. Now, Joe can provide a different look while adding to Detroit's already vaunted defense.
Robinson will need to accept a change in role
Robinson is no stranger to role changes throughout his career. He knows that he's a specialist in the league, with his weak defense and fairly lackluster playmaking ability. As a result, he's previously had seasons where he largely came off the bench following a season as a full-time starter - and it might switch back the very next season depending on the team's needs.
He's also an 8-year veteran in his 30s, so the Pistons shouldn't have to worry about managing his ego if they decide to start Joe regularly instead. Even if the change doesn't happen often in the regular season, it's bound to be an ace up JB Bickerstaff's sleeve in the playoffs.
The great thing about both Isaiah Joe and Duncan Robinson is that they can be effective for the Pistons regardless of their exact role and playing time. They could even play together to add abundant shooting for Detroit's ball-handlers and slashers. But we should definitely expect to see a major shakeup compared to last year's rotations now that Joe has arrived.
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