Over the last five years, the Detroit Pistons have not had the liberty of debating potential lineups due to injuries and a sheer lack of talent.
We were not able to look at strengths and weaknesses and attempt to pair playing styles with one another. Thanks to some signings and roster moves from Trajan Langdon, we might actually be able to have a few different lineup possibilities. JB Bickerstaff didn't release the starting lineup during Monday’s Media Day, but let’s take a look some lineups that may also work for Detroit.
Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Simone Fontecchio, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
We’ll start with the most likely scenario. Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Simone Fontecchio, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren. One commonality you’ll notice in all of these lineups is Cade, Tobias and Duren. Cade is getting the start ten times out of ten. Detroit paid Tobias starter money so he will at least begin the year starting, and Duren is still the best walking double-double down low. Those three can be all but locked into the starting lineups.
Outside of those three, Ivey and Fontecchio get the nod in this case. Ivey, just like Duren, has a lot to prove this year, and the spacing of Cade, Simone and Tobias might allow him to play his ideal game. His downhill attacking is his strength and Ivey can be a weapon attacking the basket in the half court or transition. Due to JB’s comments about staggering, I would assume that Ivey would only play with this lineup for a few minutes, hit the bench, and then lead the second unit.
As mentioned, Fontecchio would bring extra spacing, scoring, and decent defense to this starting five. The 29 year old was one of the best corner shooters in the league last year, so his mere presence would open the lane for Ivey and Duren.