5 Optimistic overreactions to Pistons preseason win over the Suns

The Pistons rotation is set! 

Ausar Thompson is not back, so nothing is set until he is, as he will likely be starting or playing starter’s minutes off the bench when he does return. 

But for now, there is a clear nine-man rotation emerging with a few nuances to work out. 

Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren are all going to be in the starting lineup with either Tim Hardaway Jr. or Simone Fontecchio flanking them. I’m hoping it’s the latter but Fontecchio is likely to play more minutes than THJ either way. 

That leaves one of those two plus Malik Beasley, Ron Holland and Isaiah Stewart coming off the bench. 

That’s not a bad rotation, as coach Bickerstaff can mix and match shooters, defenders and give teams different lead guard looks with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. 

Bickerstaff already has a better handle on his rotation, which should benefit the young players with more consistency in clear roles.

Preseason disclaimers aside, this team looks feisty and ready to shake off the stink from last season. They look like they have a vision and a plan, which is something that was lacking under the previous regime.