The Detroit Pistons have nine spots in the rotation locked into place, but there will be a fascinating battle for the scraps that are left.
If you had to list the Pistons’ depth chart right now it would look something like this:
-Cade Cunningham
-Jaden Ivey
-Ausar Thompson
-Tobias Harris
-Jalen Duren
Bench
-Isaiah Stewart
-Caris LeVert
-Duncan Robinson
-Ron Holland II
-Paul Reed
-Marcus Sasser
-Chaz Lanier
The first nine players are going to get the bulk of the minutes, and Paul Reed will likely be used as needed. He only appeared in 45 games last season, so he’ll see action when one of the Pistons’ bigs gets into early foul trouble.
The 10 spot will be fluid, with Marcus Sasser penciled in for spot minutes. Sasser appeared in 57 games last season and played well for a guy who never had a consistent role. There could be more time for him in the minutes Cade Cunningham is on the bench next season.
The Pistons have to make a decision on Sasser’s final team option in October, but for now, he and Reed will likely be the ones to eat up the back of the bench minutes.
However, there are several players ready to challenge Sasser, which is always a good thing.
There will be training camp competition for the Detroit Pistons
I’m sure Chaz Lanier, Daniss Jenkins and Colby Jones all think they deserve a shot to play for the Pistons next season and will be trying to prove themselves in training camp against Sasser.
Sasser has the obvious advantage given that he’s already an NBA player who has contributed on a playoff team and done well in his role. I wouldn’t rule out a breakout season for Sasser with a more regular role next season, especially if he takes and makes more 3-point shots.
Jenkins is more of a guy the Pistons would use in an emergency, though he did show some point guard chops in Summer League and Lanier would have to be lights-out shooting to crack the rotation.
Jones is an interesting player in that he has had some NBA experience. He also has size and offers more rebounding, which could garner him a look. Bobi Klintman also hopes to make an appearance at some point, though his Summer League probably didnt' help his case.
There aren’t many minutes available, and Sasser is the early frontrunner for them, but he will have competition that will hopefully sharpen all of the players involved.