An overloooked area where the Detroit Pistons haven't improved

How many good individual defenders do the Pistons have? 

When you look at the current roster, the Pistons have one potentially elite defender in Ausar Thompson, a second-year player who should make a substantial leap next season. I’d bet on Ausar’s defense, as he has already shown the athleticism, instincts and will to be a great defender. Ron Holland II may get there but it’s too early to tell and he’s not likely to play big minutes right away as a rookie. 

After that, the Pistons have one good defender in Isaiah Stewart, who isn’t a great shot blocker but moves well on the perimeter and can defend several positions effectively. 

Then the Pistons have a group of what I would call “competent” defenders in Simone Fontecchio, Paul Reed, Cade Cunningham and the newly added veterans. The Pistons will get a boost from their additions, who are all better defenders than their counterparts from last season, which is not saying much. 

It’s a big drop off from there to Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey, who are bad defensively, and Marcus Sasser, who can hold his own but has limitations because of his size. 

JB Bickerstaff is going to have to find ways to mix and match the rotation to always have at least one of the two good defenders on the floor, and even then, the Pistons are going to have issues. 

They aren’t particularly quick on the perimeter, so point of attack defense is going to be key, especially when you look at what is waiting for opponents in the lane.