The Detroit Pistons run at the MGM Resorts Summer League in Las Vegas has come to an end. Their attention now shifts toward training camp in September, where the team’s young players will get their opportunity to practice with the team’s veteran players.
The roster that the Pistons have heading into training camp is pretty much set with only a few question marks. The team has yet to sign a deal with Hamidou Diallo, to whom they extended a qualifying offer last month. Detroit acquired the 23-year-old forward from Oklahoma City in March and he carved out a strong role in the Pistons’ scheme.
Diallo brought plenty of athleticism to the Pistons and could be a solid option on offense, while defensively he fits the physicality and intensity of the team.
Not only are the Pistons looking to bring Diallo back, but they’ve also gotten their veteran guards — Cory Joseph and Rodney McGruder — under contract to provide leadership and aid in the development of the younger guys like Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes and Saben Lee.
Detroit also added veteran center Kelly Olynyk and forward Trey Lyles to the locker room, who will bolster the team’s frontcourt.
The Pistons will also have two players on two-way contracts, who will split their time between the Motor City Cruise and the main roster. Detroit signed Chris Smith and Luka Garza to two-way deals and both players will look to make the most of their time. Garza has already left an impression after a strong showing at Summer League over the last week and a half.
While the order of the depth chart below is a possibility, training camp could force Detroit’s coaches to move in a different direction. The team still has to evaluate how well Cunningham and Hayes work together since they anticipate the two will share ballhandling responsibilities.
The Pistons got a peek of how the two could work at Summer League but there are still some questions. Some wondered if Hayes would eventually finish shots at the rim with his right and if he could consistently knock down shots from three. While he eventually seemed to settle into his role as the primary playmaker, Hayes still showed hesitation in some of his decisions.
Cuningham also settled in by the third and his last game at Summer League as he averaged 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks. He shot 50 percent from long range on 8.7 attempts per game. He could have had more assists, but Detroit did have some challenges knocking down shots in their first two Summer League games.
What could not be questioned was how solid both Hayes and Cunningham were on defense. The two forced plenty of turnovers and chased plenty of players off of the three-point line. Both Cuningham and Hayes were particularly strong in getting through screens and staying with opposing guards.
Like Cunningham and Hayes, the remaining members of Detroit’s roster boast versatility that allows them to slide up or down. So the Pistons will continue to prioritize players who can thrive in multiple positions.
Diallo and Josh Jackson can both split duties at shooting guard and small forward, while Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey have played minutes at both small forward and power forward. The team has toyed with playing Isaiah Stewart at power forward and could do the same with Olynyk.
That being said, if Diallo re-signs with the team, Detroit will have a couple of decisions that it will need to make. The players in italics may or may not suit up for the Pistons next season depending on who the team prioritizes if Diallo returns.
Both Josh Jackson and Jahlil Okafor are guaranteed through next year but dealt with a number of injuries that kept them out for stretches last season. Plus, Diallo’s return could make the competition for minutes tougher for Josh Jackson since they offer the Pistons similar skillsets.
For Sekou Doumbouya, he had a hard time cracking the rotation last season and with so much versatility, the competition for minutes will be tough.
The Pistons open training camp on Sept. 28 and the team will announce its schedule on Friday when the NBA releases its matchups for the regular season.
PG: Killian Hayes, Cory Joseph, Saben Lee
SG: Cade Cunningham, Frank Jackson, Rodney McGruder
SF: Saddiq Bey, Hamidou Diallo, Josh Jackson, Isaiah Livers
PF: Jerami Grant, Trey Lyle, Sekou Doumbouya
C: Isaiah Stewart, Kelly Olynyk, Jahlil Okafor
Two-Way: Chris Smith, Luka Garza
