Pistons' dream season vs. the likely reality

The Dream: The young players outperform their veteran counterparts 

It would be nice if the Pistons’ “high upside” young players could outplay veterans who are in the latter stages of their careers. 

That means Jaden Ivey making it impossible Malik Beasley to get into the starting five, for the Pistons to not need Tim Hardaway Jr. because all of their young guards and wings are playing so well, for someone to at least challenge Tobias Harris for minutes. 

The Reality: JB Bickerstaff tries to set the tone with veterans 

It’s more likely that a new coach is going to lean on his veterans a bit more early on, which means we could see one of Beasley or THJ in the starting five next to Tobias Harris, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. 

Bickerstaff has a tough assignment trying to balance wins and player development while also prioritizing Cunningham as the guy they are building around. If he goes with what is best for Cade, that might mean more Beasley than Ivey, more THJ than Holland, more Fontecchio than Thompson. 

For the first time in this “rebuild,” the young players are going to have to earn minutes over veteran competition, and if they can’t, the Pistons are in big trouble.