As the Detroit Pistons prepare for the 2025-26 season, training camp will commence on September 29. During this time, President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon and Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff will outline their vision following a significant turnaround last season. The Pistons achieved a notable 44-win record, breaking a 17-year playoff win drought. With new veteran acquisitions, the team aims to build on this momentum.
Three key position battles are set to unfold as the Pistons gear up for their first preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 6.
Backup Point Guard Challenge
With the recent sign-and-trade of Dennis Schröder to the Sacramento Kings, the Pistons find themselves without a traditional point guard, apart from Cade Cunningham. This situation presents an opportunity for Jaden Ivey, who is expected to reclaim his role after a leg injury sidelined him last season. Ivey logged nearly 40% of his minutes at point guard, showcasing his versatility by averaging a career-high 17.6 points, complemented by 4 assists per game.
If Cunningham or Ivey cannot play, Bickerstaff may need to experiment with his lineup. Candidates like Marcus Sasser and Caris LeVert could step in. Sasser excels at shooting and ball-handling but thrives with another playmaker on the floor. LeVert’s strong passing and adaptability have drawn praise from Langdon, who stated, “The special thing about Caris is I think you can plug-and-play him with nearly anybody.”
Wing Rotation Dynamics
The departures of Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr., who ranked third and fourth in total minutes played last season, will force the coaching staff to rethink the wing rotation. This void will be partially filled by Ivey and rookie Ausar Thompson, whose debut was delayed last season due to health issues.
New acquisitions Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson are set to play pivotal roles. Robinson’s elite shooting will be crucial for a roster that lost its top two shooters from the previous season. As Ivey and Thompson likely return to starting roles, Ivey will need to take on significant responsibility, especially in spacing the floor, a role previously held by Hardaway. Even if Robinson does not start, he may still approach starter-level minutes.
Langdon highlighted Robinson’s ability to navigate various offensive schemes, emphasizing his capability to penetrate defenses and make correct reads. “When we have a player like Robinson, I think two guys that set pretty good screens with (Jalen Duren) and with (Isaiah Stewart) can help maximize his impact,” he said.
Power Forward Position Uncertainty
Going into the season, Tobias Harris is expected to be the starting power forward. However, his absence will raise questions about who will fill the position. Last season, Simone Fontecchio served as the primary backup, but he is now with the Miami Heat after a trade involving Robinson.
The Pistons may adopt a by-committee approach to fill the gap left by Fontecchio. Ron Holland and Thompson possess the physicality needed to defend against larger power forwards, but their shooting consistency remains a concern. Isaiah Stewart, who excelled defensively in the center position, may also be considered for power forward minutes if the team needs additional size.
As Holland aims to build on a promising rookie season, his ability to shoot from beyond the arc will be vital for the Pistons’ offensive strategy. The departure of Fontecchio could open up more opportunities for Holland, who averaged 15.6 minutes per game last season.
As the Pistons approach the new season, the outcomes of these position battles will significantly influence their performance and playoff aspirations. Fans will be keenly watching how these dynamics evolve as the team heads into the 2025-26 campaign.
