3 Young players who might be playing their way into the Pistons' plans

The Detroit Pistons notched their first preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks, and in doing so, injected some life into a fanbase that is firmly in wait-and-see mode. 

They were sloppy at times, but the defense and spacing (the two biggest concerns) looked improved from last season. We haven’t even seen the full team together, so things will change as Tobias Harris and Ausar Thompson come back, but I am cautiously optimistic that the Pistons aren’t going to be a disgrace this season, a low bar indeed. 

Jaden Ivey got the fanbase buzzing, as he got to the rim at will and dazzled with his speed, but it was the play of three young players that may have been the most impressive. 

Wendell Moore Jr. 

Moore Jr. Is a longshot to make the Pistons’ rotation but they do have a team option on him for next season that is due to be exercised on October 31st and this game may have helped his chances of getting it. 

Keep in mind that this was in mop-up time of the 1st preseason game, but Moore Jr. Had 14 points, eight rebounds, a steal and two blocks on 5-of-6 shooting in just under 17 minutes. I didn’t think the Pistons would pick up his $4.5 million option and they certainly aren’t going to do it on the back of one preseason game, but Moore Jr. is at least trying to make it a tough decision.   

He just turned 23-years-old and was a 1st-round pick back in 2022, so there may be untapped talent here. 

Marcus Sasser 

Backup point guard was a big concern coming into this season but last night put some of those worries at ease. Coach Bickerstaff staggered Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey so that one of them was almost always on the floor. 

This strategy isn’t going to leave many minutes for the backup, but Sasser did play an effective 18 minutes last night, racking up 12 points, nine assists, two steals and zero turnovers, playing most of those minutes at the point. 

If Sasser can handle this role, it will alleviate some of the concerns about having a veteran point guard, especially if Cunningham and Ivey are going to play heavy minutes. 

Ron Holland II 

There were questions whether Ron Holland II would make the Pistons’ rotation right away as a rookie and some of those were answered last night. We can’t take too much from preseason, but Holland II looked the part. He played energetic, effective defense and showed a willingness and ability to defend all over the court. His energy was a game-changer, as the Pistons were playing lackluster defense and sloppy offense before he entered the game. 

It’s going to be hard to keep this kid out of the rotation even if his shot isn’t falling, as he can make plays on defense and in transition that are going to help win games. 

I’m excited to see him and Ausar Thompson unleashed on other teams and for a defensive identity to be established with this team.