Predicting the Detroit Pistons' Starting Five Following Free Agency

Predicting the Detroit Pistons' Starting Five Following Free Agency

By Brandon Austin

July 13, 2015

Predicting the Detroit Pistons' Starting Five Following Free Agency

detroit pistons basketball — The Detroit Pistons have made some moves this offseason which they hope will better their standing in the Eastern Conference. Here's a look at who will likely be starting for the Pistons in the upcoming season.

The Detroit Pistons have made some moves this offseason which they hope will better their standing in the Eastern Conference. Here's a look at who will likely be starting for the Pistons in the upcoming season.

Point Guard: Reggie Jackson

reggie jackson

Point Guard: Reggie Jackson

reggie jackson — Jackson received a huge payday from the Pistons this offseason, inking a five-year $80 million deal. After shelling out that type of money, one has to believe Stan Van Gundy is going to start Jackson at the point. Jackson played 27 games with Detroit after being traded by the Thunder. He averaged 17.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. The starting job is basically his.

Jackson received a huge payday from the Pistons this offseason, inking a five-year $80 million deal. After shelling out that type of money, one has to believe Stan Van Gundy is going to start Jackson at the point. Jackson played 27 games with Detroit after being traded by the Thunder. He averaged 17.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. The starting job is basically his.

Shooting Guard: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

kentavious caldwell-pope

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Shooting Guard: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

kentavious caldwell-pope — Caldwell-Pope is likely to earn the starting nod next season, although we'll likely see Jackson and Brandon Jennings together in the backcourt at times. KCP definitely deserves to start next year, as he's steadily improving. His numbers elevated in year two. He averaged 12.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. His shooting and defensive abilities make him a candidate to have a breakout season.

Caldwell-Pope is likely to earn the starting nod next season, although we'll likely see Jackson and Brandon Jennings together in the backcourt at times. KCP definitely deserves to start next year, as he's steadily improving. His numbers elevated in year two. He averaged 12.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. His shooting and defensive abilities make him a candidate to have a breakout season.

Small Forward: Stanley Johnson

stanley johnson

Small Forward: Stanley Johnson

stanley johnson — The Pistons have a couple of different directions they could go at the small forward position, but the best option is Stanley Johnson. Detroit selected Johnson with the 8th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Johnson has been stellar thus far in Summer League play, as he's shown flashes of brilliance at both ends of the court. His versatility should be a great fit for the starting lineup.

The Pistons have a couple of different directions they could go at the small forward position, but the best option is Stanley Johnson. Detroit selected Johnson with the 8th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Johnson has been stellar thus far in Summer League play, as he's shown flashes of brilliance at both ends of the court. His versatility should be a great fit for the starting lineup.

Power Forward: Ersan Ilyasova

ersan ilyasova

Power Forward: Ersan Ilyasova

ersan ilyasova — No, this isn't James Franco. Ilyasova is an immensely talented player, who really hasn't hit his peak yet. The Pistons know what they're getting with Ilyasova. He's a tough player who brings energy to the lineup. More importantly, Detroit now has a power forward who can stretch the floor and create some space for Andre Drummond.

No, this isn't James Franco. Ilyasova is an immensely talented player, who really hasn't hit his peak yet. The Pistons know what they're getting with Ilyasova. He's a tough player who brings energy to the lineup. More importantly, Detroit now has a power forward who can stretch the floor and create some space for Andre Drummond.

Center: Andre Drummond

andre drummond

Center: Andre Drummond

andre drummond — Andre Drummond is the cornerstone piece of the Pistons' franchise. The 21-year-old is a double-double machine. Drummond averaged 13.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He recorded 48 triple-doubles on the season. At his best, Drummond has the potential to be a top-5 center in this league. With a talented group around him, maybe he can take the next step.

Andre Drummond is the cornerstone piece of the Pistons' franchise. The 21-year-old is a double-double machine. Drummond averaged 13.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He recorded 48 triple-doubles on the season. At his best, Drummond has the potential to be a top-5 center in this league. With a talented group around him, maybe he can take the next step.

Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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