What Does the Detroit Pistons Starting Lineup Look Like For the 2021-22 NBA Season?

After posing some initial threats, the Detroit Pistons crashed to a new low last season. The side finished with a mere 20 victories in the season and ended up last in the Eastern Conference. Though the squad was relatively young and inexperienced, many people expected the side to do better. They lost their last five games on the trot, drawing the curtains on an abysmal showing.

This year, Dwane Casey and co. will enter the league with a renewed hope. After a successful outing in the NBA Draft, the side will be brimming with confidence. Sure, the team is still blooming, but we cannot disregard the talent they have at their disposal.

Their star acquisition in the off-season is that of Cade Cunnigham. The guard is a top prospect, and is a hot topic as the new edition of the league comes closer. He was in destructive touch with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and has now stepped onto the playing field with the big boys.

If Cunningham can find his groove, the Pistons will surely improve from last year. The 19-year-old has stormed the NBA Summer League as well. Apart from the young prodigy born in Oklahoma, Detroit will also have the services of Rodney McGruder, Cory Joseph, Kelly Olynyk, and other valuable contributors.

But how exactly will the side’s starting five potentially look like? Let’s take a closer look.

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Detroit Pistons Potential Starting Lineup for 2021-22

• Killian Hayes (PG)

Though there has been a lot of talk about Hamidou Diallo joining the Pistons and Cunningham taking up the role of point-guard, we cannot confirm that yet. The most feasible option seems to be the young Killian Hayes retaining his position. The 20-year-old will be hoping for more opportunities to better his stats from last season.

• Cade Cunningham (SG)

The talk of the town is an assured starter for Dwane Casey. At the age of 19, Cunningham’s awareness and maturity are second to none. He is great with the ball, and can get into brilliant positions off the ball as well. At Oklahoma State, he averaged around 20 points and 6 rebounds. The rookie will aim to seal his spot after being the first overall pick in the draft.

• Isaiah Stewart (C)

Standing at nearly 7’0 tall, Stewart is an ideal center for the Pistons. He is young, pacy, agile, and has the defensive aggression that the game demands.

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• Jerami Grant (PF)

The most experienced of the Pistons, Grant is a quality forward. He averaged over 20 points last year, which is a basic prerequisite for an attacker. He can occupy the floor and is also very versatile.Having had a year at Detroit now, he will be more aware of his role in the side.

• Saddiq Bey (SF)

Yet another rookie in the Pistons setup, Bey is an exciting prospect. It will be interesting to see if he swaps roles with Grant, but this option seems more viable. Bey has a better chance to settle into the scheme of things in this position, and his skill set can be exploited well. The forward has been regarded by many as the next big thing.

Though it is not the most stacked, the Detroit Pistons seem to be a team of the future. However, can the future begin now? It will be intriguing to see if the Pistons can at least go deep into the knockouts, if not get their hands on the coveted trophy.