Best and worst-case scenario for every Pistons player

Jaden Ivey 

Best-case scenario: Ivey morphs into a dynamic backup point guard, who runs the offense efficiently, scores 15-18 points per game with 5+ assists and fewer turnovers. When he’s out there with Cade, he is patient, knocks down catch-and-shoot 3-point shots and isn’t a sieve on defense. He is in the running for 6th Man of the Year and signs a reasonable extension at the end of the season. 

Worst-case scenario: Ivey keeps spinning his wheels. He gets off to a slow start and is losing minutes to Beasley and Hardaway Jr. and even Marcus Sasser at times. When he does play, he presses, continues to demonstrate poor decision making and does not improve his efficiency on offense. The Pistons decide to trade him at the deadline and have to take a bad deal that doesn’t even include an unprotected first-round pick. The Ivey era ends with a whimper in Detroit and then he goes on to become a productive player for another team. 

Tim Hardaway Jr. 

Best-case scenario: THJ is re-energized by returning home to Michigan, embraces his role as a veteran leader and helps the young Pistons with his shooting and mentorship. He plays a small but important role off the bench and knocks down 40 percent of his 3-point shots, becoming a short-burst weapon. He plays so well that contenders come calling and there is a bidding war for his services at the trade deadline that nets the Pistons several draft assets. 

Worst-case scenario: He’s Joe Harris 2.0, can’t hit shots, can’t play and the Pistons end up wasting loads of money and a roster spot for nothing.