Analyzing the 2016 - 2017 Detroit Pistons Roster

With the 2016 – 2017 NBA season less than a month away, it is time to take a closer look at the Detroit Pistons roster. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Pistons current roster and perform a full S.W.O.T. analysis for each player.

In this article, I will be using the S.W.O.T. analysis process to find insights on the Detroit Pistons roster, and make predictions about their upcoming season.

Usually used in business evaluations, S.W.O.T. is an acronym for an in-depth analysis of an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, in regards to their position in and with a company. 

Specifically, strengths and weaknesses are internal features of a player’s game, such as skills or physical assets (think: ball handling, shooting, height, weight, etc). They are assets you are born with and/or skills that have been developed over a player’s career.

Opportunities and threats, on the other hand, are external factors of a player’s game (think: teammates, coaches, contracts, league rules, etc). These are situations that exist and are happening whether the player likes it or not. These are things the player has very little control over and most likely cannot directly change.

On each page you will find:

Read through each slide or click to go to a specific player directly:

THE STARTERS

C – Andre Drummond

PF – Tobias Harris

SF – Marcus Morris

SG – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

PG – Reggie Jackson

THE BENCH

6 – Stanley Johnson

7 – Jon Leuer

8 – Ish Smith

9 – Aron Baynes

10 – Reggie Bullock

11 – Boban Marjanovic

12 – Darrun Hilliard

THE BACK END OF THE BENCH

13 – Henry Ellenson

14 – Michael Gbinije

15(a) – Ray McCallum Jr.

15(b) – Lorenzo Brown

With the season almost upon us, we have no time to waste, let’s get started.

ANDRE DRUMMOND

Center | 6’11” | 279 lbs. | Age: 23 | Experience: 4 years | From: Connecticut

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Andre Drummond can be an utterly dominant big man. When he plays with aggression his incredible size, strength, length, and athleticism are overwhelming. He is an unstoppable rebounder and a double-double machine. In fact, last year he led the NBA with 66. His agility and quickness enables him to blow by bigger players, while his strength and power allows him to overwhelm smaller defenders.

WEAKNESSES

35.5 percent. That number represents the worst free throw shooting percentage in NBA history, and unfortunately, it belongs to Andre Drummond. Last year he went 208 for 586 from the free throw line. To put that in perspective, in the 2015 – 2016 NBA season, the average free throw percentage was 75.7 percent for all players. That means the average player with 586 free throws would have scored an additional 235 points or in Drummond’s case, an additional 3 points per game. Those points alone would have translated into a few more victories. That being said, this is not new information for most Pistons fans, however, the most debilitating effect of his free throw struggles is the impact they have on his mentality.

Drummonds greatest strength is his overpowering dominance in the lane. However, as last season waned on, Drummond would often be seen trying to avoid the foul, shying away from contact, and even fading away from the basket. While these may be solid moves for smaller players, when you are 6’11” and 279 lbs, your best move is going right at the next guy and making him pay. His inability to connect on nearly two-thirds of his free throw attempts forced him to change his offensive style to avoid contact, which forced him to trade his premier strength for a weakness.

OPPORTUNITIES

One of the greatest opportunities for Andre Drummond this year is the implementation of the new “Hack-a-Shaq” rules. The new rule is essentially an extension of the old. Players will no longer be able to intentionally foul a player who is uninvolved with a play in the last two minutes of each quarter. Previously, this rule only applied to the fourth quarter, but now it applies to every quarter.

While many fans hoped to see a much more aggressive end of the intentional fouling problem, this change still brings opportunity for Drummond. Under the new regulation, there are an additional six minutes of game time when players will be unable to blatantly exploit his weakness. In addition, with the potential of strategically scheduling Drummond’s rests, this change could have even bigger implications for him.

Last year Drummond would start the game, play through most of the quarter, and come out near the end of the first. He would re-enter around the midway point of the second quarter, and optimally, he would finish the half. In the second half, his schedule would be very similar. He would start at the half, come out near the end of the third quarter, enter back in mid-way through the fourth and finish the game.

While that rotation may be optimal, often the Pistons would find that teams near the foul limit penalty would use the situation in their favor and start intentionally fouling Drummond at the end of the second, third, and fourth quarters. At times this could significantly cut into his playing time.

With this new rule, there is the potential to strategically adjust Drummond’s playing time. To do this, Drummond could start the game, take a rest midway through the first, come back in for the last few minutes of the first and play straight through several minutes into the second, take a rest and play last 4-5 minutes or so of the second depending on the foul situation. Then this process could be repeated in the second half.

While this may not be an ideal rotation in a perfect world, with the increased depth of the Pistons roster, and the change in intentional fouling rules, Stan Van Gundy may find this an opportunity to optimize Drummond’s playing time and allow him to thrive.

THREATS

Last year, in the first round of the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers found and exploited a loophole in the intentional fouling rules, that could, if adopted by the rest of the league, cause a major threat to Drummond’s game.

While intentionally fouling a player away from the ball was illegal in the final two minutes of a game, and this year will be illegal in the final two minutes of every quarter, it is perfectly legal to foul a player who is involved in the play. This distinction created a loophole in which the Cavaliers were able to exploit to perfection.

The Pistons run a four-out offense that is initiated from the pick-and-roll game played between Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond. Unfortunately, the Cavs realized they could disrupt their ability to engage the offensive sequence by fouling Drummond at the point when he comes to set the screen for the pick and roll. Since he was technically involved in the play and not away from the ball, it was legal. After struggling to defend Drummond and the Detroit Pistons’ offense, they started fouling Andre in the pick and roll and any time he would touch the ball down low, in so doing they shut down the Piston offense and completely took Drummond out of the game.

That being said, this threat could be mitigated. If the league see this approach picking up steam and disrupting gameplay, it is possible the rule could be adjusted, closing the loophole and changing the role of the intentional foul completely. If this turns out to be the case, it could be a very long, hard, and frustrating season for Drummond this year, but there is one other way to fix this problem…Drummond could hit his free throws. Even 50 percent would be a game-changer for him, his mentality, and the Detroit Pistons as a whole.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

This season is sure to be an interesting one for Andre Drummond. After making solid strides last season and making his first All-Star game, I don’t see any signs of his progress slowing down. With the massive amount of work he has been rumored to be doing on his free throw shooting this summer, his continued development, and the plethora of supporting players Van Gundy has added around him, he is primed for a big season. I predict the rest of the league will see what Detroit has been seeing for years. I expect him to average around 18 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and most importantly, a huge improvement to 44 percent from the charity stripe.

TOBIAS HARRIS

Forward | 6’9” | 235 lbs. | Age: 24 | Experience: 5 years | From: Tennessee

STATS

STRENGTHS

Tobias Harris is a skilled scoring combo forward. With strong fundamentals, athleticism, and size, he matches up well at the small or power forward position. His 6’9”, 235 lbs frame allows him to back down smaller opponents, while his quick first step allows him to effectively get by bigger defenders. His toughness and body control gives him the ability to finish well, even when contact is present. After joining the Pistons last year, he showed an ability to hit longer range shots with efficiency.

WEAKNESSES

The same thing that works to his advantage on offense, can often work against him on defense. Harris is a tweener, he is neither a true small forward or dominant power forward. He struggles guarding quick wings off-the-dribble and has challenges rebounding and protecting the rim against bigger forwards. At times he can get lost on offense. Although his movement without the ball showed improvement last season, at times, when the game was not directed towards him, he could find himself standing around.

OPPORTUNITIES

After being acquired in a heist at the trade deadline last season, this will be Harris’ first full season in a Pistons uniform. In his last two stints, one with the Milwaukee Bucks and the other with the Orlando Magic, Harris found himself in difficult situations. In both cases, the team’s offensive schemes often excluded him, and in general, the teams struggled from a lack of direction overall. Worse still, Harris was run out of town in Milwaukee by Scott Skiles, only to have him follow him to Orlando a year later.

In Detroit, things are different. Harris is now on a team with a unified direction, under a coach who actively sought him out in free agency, and when he missed, he found a way to make a trade for him. One thing is certain, being wanted gives a player a great deal of confidence, and there is no doubt that Van Gundy wants Harris.

This new-found confidence brought forth by a team, a city, and a coach who want him around and a unity of purpose, could allow Harris to reach the potential that has been lingering over his head for years.

THREATS

The greatest threat to Harris’ season, could simultaneously, be the greatest opportunity for the Pistons as a whole. Through impressive drafting and a few solid offseasons, the Pistons could now find themselves with a logjam of talent at the small forward and power forward positions. Depending on the development and fits of Stanley Johnson, Marcus Morris, Jon Leuer and Henry Ellenson, Harris could feel overwhelming pressure to perform. If he struggles or slumps, that depth of talent could make it difficult for him to keep a hold of the starter position.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

After a very difficult start to his season in Orlando and a trade to the Pistons last February, Tobias Harris sported the best shooting numbers of his career. He averaged career bests, 47.7 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three-point range and a dead-eye 91.1 percent from the free throw line. I predict we will see successful growth in Harris, similar to the progression we saw in Reggie Jackson from trade to first full season. While he may have some ups and downs early, as he continues to settle into his new role, I expect to see his stellar shooting continue and even improve. Furthermore, as the new depth and continuity of the Pistons takes effect, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take over a much more significant role in the Pistons offense and average a career high in points per game.

MARCUS MORRIS

Small Forward | 6’9” | 235 lbs. | Age: 27 | Experience: 5 years | From: Kansas

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Marcus Morris is a high-energy two-way producer. Last year, Morris found a home and a starting role with the Detroit Pistons under Coach Stan Van Gundy. Morris showed his ability to score both at the basket and from long range. Most impressively, he was able to provide solid production while playing significant minutes. For much of the season, he was in the top five for minutes played. At times throughout the season and even in the playoffs, Morris proved that he could be a go-to scorer who is able to create shots for himself when the Pistons needed a basket.

WEAKNESSES

The main knock against Morris is that he can allow his emotions to get the best of him. This can and has led to him being very streaky offensively, and at times has left much to be desired when defending or rebounding. When he is tuned in, his athleticism and effort are abundant; when he is derailed, he can be a distraction. Last year, as a result, he lead the Pistons with 11 technical, and 3 flagrant fouls, 7th and 2nd most in the league respectively.

OPPORTUNITIES

In his weakness, he could find the seed of his greatest opportunity. This Detroit Pistons team needs a leader. Someone to push them, to fire them up; someone to dig in when the chips are down. At 27, Morris is one of the oldest players and most senior vets on this team. The same emotional energy that has caused him issues at times, could be used to fuel him, his team, and the fanbase as a whole, much in the same way it did for Piston great, Rasheed Wallace.

Marcus Morris is coming into the season as the incumbent starter at the small forward position, coming off the best year of his career in a city that loves him. He is the exact kind of guy that players, teams and cities can rally behind. This year his greatest opportunity is to use that fire to ignite and unite this Detroit squad.

THREATS

Stanley Johnson. The continual potential and development of Johnson could relegate Morris to a backup roll before the season is over. While he has proven to play well with the second unit, a key factor of last year’s breakout season was his playing time and confidence in his roll. A lack of confidence, mixed with his occasional inconsistencies and emotionality could lead to a regression, if not monitored closely.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

After a breakout season last year, I predict Morris will see a slight regression in his numbers. Early on, I expect him to come out hitting on all cylinders, however, with the increased talent and competition for minutes, Morris will see his minutes drop from the mid-to-low thirties or even high twenties. This may not be all bad for Morris as through the drop in his minutes I believe he will become more efficient and effective. I would fully expect to see his rebounding and defensive effectiveness to be improved as a result of his fresher legs. As he enters the prime of his career, wiser and more experienced, I certainly expect him to answer Van Gundy’s call and step into a leadership role on this team.

KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE

Shooting Guard | 6’5” | 205 lbs. | Age: 23 | Experience: 3 years | From: Georgia

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a spark plug on this Pistons team. He is high energy, hard working, and durable. In Detroit style, he is built to last. Caldwell-Pope has proven to be an exceptional defender, chasing the opponent’s top guards all over the court and helping to consistently keep them to below their season averages. He is also one of the fastest players in the league, making him a threat on the fast break, both offensively breaking out and defensively chasing them down. Although his shot has not been as sweet as advertised in the 2013 NBA draft, he did show the potential to be a great shooter in the playoffs last year, averaging 44 percent from the three-point line. If he can keep it going he definitely has the potential to be an excellent two-way, 3-and-D guard for years to come.

WEAKNESSES

Last year, after three years in the NBA, Caldwell-Pope averaged his worst mark from behind the arc at 30.9 percent. Although he has excellent form, a solid release, and has shown potential to be a solid three-point shooter in streaks, he is yet to deliver on a regular basis. Unfortunately, his lackluster results from downtown have not prevented him from taking any shots. Last year he ranked 31st in most three-pointers attempted while ranking 261st in three-point percentage.

OPPORTUNITIES

Fresh legs. Last year Caldwell-Pope averaged 36.7 minutes per game, fourth amongst starters in the league. Over his first three years, he has played in 242 out the 250 possible games. In other words, he has played in 96.8 percent of the possible games while logging major minutes.

This year with the continual development of Stanley Johnson, and new depth at the wing positions, Caldwell-Pope will likely see a welcomed decline in total minutes, and with that, fresher legs. The 82 game season can be grueling on any player, but when you add in major minutes, guarding the opponent’s top perimeter players, and pushing the fast break, you’re going to have some tired legs.

This increased rest could lead to more explosiveness and lift for Caldwell-Pope, and a resurgence of his three-point shooting percentage. With an improved three-point shot, the rest of his offensive game will open up and he could see an improvement in overall shooting percentages and efficiencies.

THREATS

Pressure, pressure, and more pressure. This year Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be under more pressure than he has faced in his short career. With major questions about his value, the rising cap, and upcoming free agency, Caldwell-Pope is under major pressure to deliver. If he takes another step forward in his progress, he could be in line for a $20 million dollar-plus per year contract. However, with any type of regression, he could be looking at half that.

To add even more pressure to the situation, KCP has a budding prospect in Stanley Johnson nipping at his heels. Although Van Gundy, Bowers, and even Tom Gores has made it public that they intend to keep Caldwell-Pope, if his progress is less that stellar, and Johnson continues to develop, the team might find him to be too expensive to keep around.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

I project a breakout year for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. His defense has created opportunities for him here with the Detroit Pistons, and this year he will take it up a notch. With the addition of fresher legs, we will see him shooting at an all-time best from downtown. Look for Caldwell-Pope to post career bests across the board statistically and be considered a top tier 3-and-D wing in the NBA. In the end, you can expect KCP to get PAID this upcoming summer.

REGGIE JACKSON

Point Guard | 6’3” | 208 lbs. | Age: 26 | Experience: 5 years | From: Boston College

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Reggie Jackson has established himself as a true starting point guard in this league. He has shown that he is confident and capable running the offense. He has proven to be a high-octane scorer, who can get to the basket at will and finish with lethal accuracy. Jackson has the ability to wear down his defender and the opponent’s defense as a whole by continually coming off screens, slashing to the basket and making plays. On top of his excellent court vision, and ability to anticipate where teammates will be, he has added a very effect three-point shot throughout his time with the Pistons.

WEAKNESSES

Although he can score, he lacks consistent leadership skills. At times he will lead the Pistons in a huge fourth quarter rally, and at others, he will disappear completely. At times he has a tendency to overreact to situations and force his offense, at others he can let the situation get the best of him and check out completely. His ability to overcome adversity can vary widely from night to night.

OPPORTUNITIES

The Detroit Pistons need a floor general, and Jackson has the potential to be that man. Jackson is an influencer; the team already looks to him and follows his lead. When he is confident, cool, and collected, the team is as well. If he is scattered, frustrated, or downtrodden the team follows suit. Jackson is an excellent offensive point-guard who has borderline all-star potential.

If he can hone his leadership skills, keep his head in the game, and focus on getting and keeping the right players involved throughout the game, he could be a top-tier point guard in this league. His greatest opportunity is to become the leader this team needs, and join the ranks of Piston point guard greats.

THREATS

Trying too hard to prove that he belongs is the greatest threat to Reggie Jackson’s season. Jackson has had to rise from the shadows and fight for every opportunity he has had in this league. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and he always seems to have something to prove. The greatest threat to his development is not focusing on what he does best and inadvertently pressing too hard on his shortcomings which could lead to struggles, frustration, and setbacks.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

After posting his best numbers ever last season, I see no reason that he will let his foot off the gas. In fact, I see this as the season that Jackson establishes himself as the team leader. Pushing the offense, keeping Drummond in the game, and using his ability to slash to get easy baskets for himself and his teammates. Look for his numbers to continue to rise, especially in the assist column, and if they do, an All-Star nod may be in the cards this season.

STANLEY JOHNSON

Small Forward | 6’7” | 245 lbs. | Age: 20 | Experience: 1 year | From: Arizona

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Stanley Johnson is a freak of nature. He is a regular mismatch at every position. At 6’7”, 245 lbs, he has incredible size and strength. In fact, he could legitimately play the 2 – 4 position, and with some continued development he could step in at the point. He is an intelligent, uber-physical athlete who can make the defense pay in a variety of ways. Between his strength, size, and speed, he often wears down his opponent on one end or the other.

WEAKNESSES

He is 20 years old. While Johnson shows the potential to be an all-around do-it-all swingman, right now, it is just that…potential. He needs time to continue to mature, improve his fundamentals, and sharpen his decision making. Often, it is easy for fans and himself to assume he is fully developed because of his incredible stature, but his youth has led him to overextend himself, whether it is forcing his shot, turning the ball over, or starting beef with LeBron James.

OPPORTUNITIES

When talent, preparation, and opportunity meet, anything is possible. Johnson has one of the highest upsides on this Piston roster. This summer he has had solid performances in the Orlando Summer League, the USA Olympic Team Invitational, and the Drew League. He has played a massive amount of competitive basketball and it appears to be paying off.

He is showing improvement to his overall game, fundamentals, and shooting. He appears to have the potential to be a star, and this summer he has worked and prepared just about as hard as anyone. As a result, he should have all the playing time and opportunity he needs to prove it.

THREATS

The sophomore slump. Last year, Johnson showed signs of great potential, but in more than 23 minutes per game, he showed himself to be wildly inefficient, averaging only 30.9 percent from the three-point line and 37.5 percent from the field overall. Not only did he fail put the ball in the basket, but he turned the ball over 1.6 times per game. All in all, he sported a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 8.7, a rating that is just over half the effectiveness of the league’s average players, at 15. While all of this sounds depressing, it is important to remember that most rookies are highly inefficient. That being said, it is time to see what he is made of.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

I think this year may have some up and downs for Stanley Johnson, however, it will have more ups than downs. His offseason work will pay off. He will definitely start the season as the Pistons sixth man, and may even work his way into the starting lineup before all is said and done. Most of all, he will improve his overall game, statistics, and in doing so, his PER ranking. Look for the Stanimal to add 12 points per game and develop into a do-it-all player, locking down opponents on defense, physically abusing them on both sides of the ball, and being a double-double threat with some regularity. I expect Stanley Johnson to quickly become a fan favorite.

JON LEUER

Power Forward | 6’10” | 228 lbs. | Age: 27 | Experience: 5 years | From: Wisconson

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Jon Leuer is a true stretch four. He is deceptively mobile and agile for someone of his size. He has solid footwork, jumping ability and speed for a near 7-footer. His shooting ability allows him to stretch the floor, and his ball handling helps him to get by his defender and finish. His all-around skills have given him the capability to create for himself and teammates. His wingspan also allows him to play both of the big man positions. Best of all, he has proven to be intelligent, consistent and efficient, he may not be a human-highlight reel, but he will knock down the open shots without making many mistakes.

WEAKNESSES
Lack of size and aggressiveness. Leuer is an all-around fundamentally sound player. As stated above, he will not make many mistakes, but that often comes from his lack of aggressiveness. As a result, he has struggled to carve out consistent playing time in his first four years in the league, bouncing from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Houston Rockets to the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Memphis Grizzlies, until finding a role with the Phoenix Suns. Combined with his thinner frame, this lack of aggression has created issues boxing out, rebounding and shot blocking. While not a bad defender, he definitely won’t be a deterrent in the lane.

OPPORTUNITIES

Playing for Stan Van Gundy. It is no secret that Stan Van Gundy loves stretch fours. After bouncing around for years, Leuer is going to feel the proverbial love in Detroit. He will absolutely get the playing time he has been searching for and he will get something he has never had before… massive amounts of space. Look for Van Gundy to use Leuer and Drummond in the same way he used Dwight Howard and Ryan Anderson with the Orlando Magic.

For Leuer this means Drummond and Jackson playing the pick and roll game cutting and spinning to the basket. That will cause spare defenders to close to the ball as they get caught in their gravitational pull. In turn, that will leave Leuer, a player who shot 48.1 percent from the field, and 38.2 percent from the three open for easy buckets. If his defender chooses not to help defensively, it will be alley-oop time for Drummond and company.

All of that is to say, Leuer has struggled to find an opportunity where he could get the chance to show his skills. In Detroit, however, he will literally be walking into a situation custom built for his specialties, which is most likely the reason he came to Detroit in the first place.

THREATS

The biggest threat to Jon Leuer’s season could be his history coming back to haunt him. As I have stated a couple times, his history has been bumpy. After four seasons at the University of Wisconsin, he was drafted 40th overall, in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. After a single season in Milwaukee, where he struggled to get any playing time or attention for that matter, he was traded to Houston. A month later he was unceremoniously cut by the Rockets. He wasn’t unemployed long, as the Cleveland Cavaliers signed him two days later. After playing only 9 games and making two stops in the D-League, he was shipped off once more to the Grizzlies. He was finally able to unpack in Memphis where he played for two seasons; however, he was never able to truly concrete a role in the lineup. Last year, Leuer finally found a role in Phoenix and thrived in it, averaging his best numbers of his career.

Back to my point, his history may be his biggest threat because he has struggled to find a role, and with the Pistons backlog of talent and prospects at the 4 and 5 position, he could face significant competition. If not kept in check, the challenge to maintain his minutes when competing with Harris, Morris, Ellenson, and company could cause any man to get a case of the yips.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

I do not predict that Leuer will struggle. In fact, if anything his history has proven that he has a great deal resilience and perseverance. I believe Jon Leuer’s time has come. I do not project him to have a crazy breakout year or to even average many more points or minutes. In all actuality, I wouldn’t be surprised if he averaged the same 8.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game that he did last year. However, I think his biggest growth will come in his enjoyment of the game.

I believe he is going to love playing in Detroit. After growing up in Minnesota and attending college in Wisconsin, he will finally be back to the midwest. He is going to love playing for Van Gundy. Who wouldn’t love playing for someone who runs a system designed to take advantage of your strengths? Finally, he is going to love playing with this team. It is a great feeling to belong. His skills and efficiency will make life easier for every Piston he plays alongside, and combined with his determined demeanor, the team will love playing with him too.

ISH SMITH

Point Guard | 6’0” | 175 lbs. | Age: 28 | Experience: 6 years | From: Wake Forest

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Speed and tenacity. Ish Smith is a lightning-quick point guard, who can beat his man off the dribble, break down defenses, and score at the basket. He is also an impressive playmaker. He has a knack for finding the open man, making the extra pass, and getting the ball in the hands of the guy with the best look.

He will push the pace on offense and add a significant spark to the second unit. His speed will cause havoc for teams on the fast break. Teamed up with Caldwell-Pope, no one will be able to keep up. (Side note: is anyone else crazy interested to see those two race?)

WEAKNESSES

Limited defensively. At 6 foot, 175 lbs, he is neither tall nor big-bodied. His slight frame can make him a liability on defense, especially against larger guards. While he makes up for some of this through sheer tenacity and persistence, his size can make him susceptible to being bullied by a larger opponent.

OPPORTUNITIES

Playing with talent. After the better part of a year with the Philadelphia 76ers, Smith will be delighted to get to play with talent. In fact, with his arrival and the arrival of Jon Leuer, Boban Marjonovic and Henry Ellenson, the talent he will command will be a major step up from last year.

As an explosive thrasher and competent playmaker, Smith will be relieved to see a surplus of shooters ready to knock down the open shots he will create.

His biggest opportunity this year, however, will be his ability to come off the bench and add a spark to this offense. With the similarities in style between him and Reggie Jackson, Smith should have no problems fitting into the first or second unit or even alongside Jackson in a double point guard lineup.

THREATS

Smith can be a streaky shooter. Last year he shot 41.1 percent from the floor and 32.9 percent from the three-point line. If his shot is not falling, his size can cause him issues on offense as well. After sporting one of the league’s worst second units last year, the Pistons have high hopes for this squad, and much of it hinges on Ish Smith. The greatest threat to Smith’s season could be the compounding effect of issues he will face if his shot isn’t falling.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

I predict Ish Smith will see a regression in his numbers this season. In a totally new role from last year, he will be coming off the bench for the Pistons. He will be playing fewer minutes. He will be tasked with pushing the ball and getting the entire second unit involved. Last year he averaged, 32.4 minutes, 14.7 points, 7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game for the Sixers in 50 starts. All career highs. This year he is not likely to start as long as Jackson is healthy. He will likely see his minutes drop. That being said, Ish Smith will find himself a role where he can come out each night, push the offense, exploit weaker defenders, and use his explosive athleticism to make plays and be a real contributor on a playoff team.

ARON BAYNES

Center | 6’10” | 254 lbs. | Age: 29 | Experience: 4 years | From: Australia

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

A ferocious force from down under, Aron Baynes is a classic low post center. He is incredibly strong, has excellent size, and is nearly unmovable down low. He thrives under the basket, moves players around at will and can finish with power. He has proven to be an excellent rebounder and enforcer around the rim. His decent athleticism and soft hands help him be an above average finisher around the rim as well. His all-around big man game has made him one of the better backup centers in the league.

WEAKNESSES

Not much of a mid-range game. I am not saying he can’t shoot, in fact, he has shot near 50 percent from the 15-16 foot range last year. The reason he doesn’t have much of a mid-range game, however, is because he doesn’t take many. Last year every one of his shots came from inside 20 feet, 80 percent have come from inside 10 feet, 75 percent have come from inside eight feet and the majority, 58 percent, have come within five feet of the basket. While his shooting percentage is fairly stable, his failure to implement a mid-range shot into his game has limited his potential.

OPPORTUNITIES

Motivation. There are few players likely to be as motivated as Aron Baynes this season. Baynes has a huge opportunity in front of him, and that opportunity is to cash in. With the rising salary cap and his ability to opt-out of his contract next summer, Baynes has the potential to win a massive payday in free agency.

This year he is scheduled to earn $6 million. With a solid performance this season he could easily double that number next year. Unfortunately, when that happens, it will not be with the Pistons.

THREATS

The biggest threat to Aron Baynes season is Boban Marjanovic. While not a popular prediction, if Marjanovic comes out and thrives in the Pistons system, he could take minutes from Baynes. Little by little, Majanovic could start cutting into Baynes’ playing time and opportunities. Since Baynes is almost a lock to opt-out of his contract this summer, if Marjanovic shows he is ready to contribute this year, Stan Van Gundy may be ready to pass the torch sooner than planned. If things go down that road, it could turn into a long year for Baynes.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

I predict another solid year for Aron Baynes. With another year of experience under Stan Van Gundy, and this team is a whole, I expect to see Baynes take on a leadership role with the second unit. He will provide grit, hustle, and heart. He will continue to bully his way into the lane and the hearts of Pistons fans. He will, however, hear his name included in many trade conversations and rumors throughout the year, and although he will be one of the most consistent players off the bench for the Pistons, it is extremely likely this season will be his last in a Pistons uniform.

REGGIE BULLOCK

Shooting Guard | 6’7” | 205 lbs. | Age: 25 | Experience: 3 years | From: North Carolina

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Reggie Bullock is a lights-out three-point shooter. While not hyper-athletic, he is quick, smooth, and fundamentally sound. He doesn’t make many mistakes, and he is one of the best free throw shooters in the league. On top of that, his dead-eye three-point shooting has the power to get opponents to overextend on defense which allows him to get a good deal of back-door baskets.

WEAKNESSES

Pretty much everything else. Well..that’s not completely true. While he doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses, he doesn’t really excel at much outside of shooting. His defense is ok, maybe slightly below average. Due to his thin build, he doesn’t get many rebounds. He also gets fewer assists than you would expect. He has been either liquid hot, or freezing cold at times as a shooter, and often he can end up camping out on the parameter completely uninvolved in the offense.

OPPORTUNITIES

The deep ball. In a league and on a team that highly values the three-point shot, at times, Reggie Bullock has been about as good of a shooter as they come. Bullock is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 3.3 points per game, on 43.9 percent shooting, and 41.5 percent from behind the arc in just over 11 minutes per game.

However, those stats don’t tell the whole story. In fact, last year was the tale of two seasons for Bullock. After only 19 appearances in the first 57 games, Reggie looked destined for a career in the D-League. In those first 19 appearances, he went 1-for-10 from behind the arc and missed all nine of his shots from two point range. In all, Bullock scored 6 total points and did not average a single, point, rebound, steal, assist, or block in the first half of the season.

After his horrific first 19 games the pendulum swung completely to the other side and in his final 20 games, he was fantastic. Reggie played 20 of the last 27 games of the season. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in just under 18 minutes per game. He shot a white hot, 50 percent from three, going 23 for 46, and 55.3 percent from the floor in general. He even shot 91.7 percent from the free throw line.

Although it was a limited sample, it was not an insignificant one. Bullock righted the ship during a massively important stretch in the season. With the Pistons record at 28-29 sitting at ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, Stanley Johnson went down with a shoulder injury. During that  seven game stretch, Bullock would assume Johnson’s role off the bench and dazzle. He averaged nearly 60 percent from downtown, going 14-24 and averaging 9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 24 minutes per game. Stepping in for Johnson, helping the Pistons go 5-2 during that stretch, and regaining their hold on a playoff spot.

While Bullock’s playing time would decrease once Johnson returned, he still managed to maintain his excellent shooting and a more significant role in the rotation. If Bullock can keep shooting like that, Van Gundy will find a way to get him on the court.

THREATS

Playing time. The greatest threat Bullock will face this year is playing time. Although he showed massive potential as a long-range gunner, playing time may be even harder to come by this season. As our own David Topham explained in a recent article, Bullock will find himself behind Marcus Morris, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Stanley Johnson, and at times Tobias Harris fighting with Darrun Hilliard for minutes. With Johnson’s role expected to increase across the variations of lineups Van Gundy may use this season, Bullock is at risk of not getting enough time to prove he even deserves to be on the court.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

This season Reggie Bullock will have to come out guns blazing. If he is going to carve out any regular minutes in this rotation, he is going to have to shoot with reckless abandon and most importantly, he is going to have to make those shots. I predict Stan Van Gundy is going to get him a handful of minutes early in the season. If he picks up where he left off, look for Van Gundy to find a way to get him minutes. However, with the Pistons newly expanded roster, cap situation, and the log jam of second to third string wings, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bullock packaged in a deal and moving on to a team that can give him more opportunity.

BOBAN MARJANOVIC

Center | 7’3” | 290 lbs. | Age: 28 | Experience: 1 year | From: Adriatic League

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Boban Marjanovic is pound for pound the biggest player in the NBA. At 7’3”, 290 lbs, he is a beast. He possesses a truly incredible combination of sheer size and soft hands. While not extremely athletic, he is decently mobile for his size. He is also a good rebounder due to his towering stature. Even though he is not a leaper, he often out rebounds the competition by reading the play, placing himself in the proper position, and then he lets everyone else jump up and down while he grabs the ball of the rim while standing on his tip toes. His combination of touch, footwork, and free throw shooting leads scouts to believe he may be able to develop a solid shoot from longer distances.

WEAKNESSES

Although Marjanovic is a mountain of a man, his size and length do not help him as much as you would expect on the defensive end. He is not much of a shot blocker, and his lack of quickness hinders his ability to stay in front of opponents. As well, his game can be limited depending on the matchups presented by the opposing team.

OPPORTUNITIES

Marjanovic will get the opportunity immediately to improve his shortcomings by going head-to-head with Andre Drummond, one of the most athletic and dominant big men in the league, every day in practice.

For Boban, this means he will have the ability to work on his agility and defensive footwork by staying in front of Drummond. That development opportunity coupled with the potential of Baynes leaving town could have Marjanovic stepping into the backup roll sooner than planned.

THREATS

If Aron Baynes is moved earlier than planned and Marjanovic is asked to step into the backup role before he is ready, he may be forced to play significantly more minutes than he is ready for and face unfavorable matchups that will expose his shortcomings. Although he is an advanced statistical marvel, his immediate ability to contribute is currently unknown.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

This season I predict Boban Marjanovic will have some incredible highlights and quickly become a Piston fan favorite. It is likely he will continue to deliver high advanced statistics, but he is likely to start and remain the third option off the bench at the center position this season. However, this season will prepare him to step into the backup role next year as we anticipate Baynes’ departure.

DARRUN HILLIARD

Shooting Guard | 6’6” | 205 lbs. | Age: 23 | Experience: 1 years | From: Villanova

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Darrun Hilliard is an excellent shooter, who can create for himself off the dribble and knock down the three with a good deal of accuracy. Last year he shot 38 percent from downtown while averaging 4 points in only 10 minutes of action per appearance. Hilliard is fundamentally sound, a solid ball handler, and he has above average court vision for a wing player. His stature, polished fundamentals, and ability to avoid mistakes has caused Hilliard to draw many comparisons to ex-Piston Arron Afflalo.

WEAKNESSES

He does not possess above average length, size nor athleticism for his height which causes him trouble when guarding larger wings. This issue limits his minutes by only allowing him to play against shooting guards and favorable small forward matchups. His size and stature also can limit his rebounding and ability to finish around the basket. Surprisingly, he is a shaky free throw shooter for how good of a three-point shooter he is.

OPPORTUNITIES

Last year, Darrun Hilliard played very effective minutes in his rookie season showing skill, potential, and efficiency. Hilliard’s biggest opportunity could come as a result of his contract. Over the next three seasons he is scheduled to earn $874,636, $1,014,746, and $1,360,048 respectively. With the Pistons sitting above the salary cap, and with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Bullock facing restricted free agency, Hilliard’s team-friendly rookie deal could have him earmarked as the perimeter-scoring-wingman-off-the-bench player of the future.

In order to free up space for resigning Caldwell-Pope, I would not be shocked to see Bullock heading out of town in some sort of trade package this year. In this case, Hilliard would slide into that 10th man fringe rotation role currently held by Bullock.

THREATS

Going into the summer I was very bullish on Hilliard’s development. Unfortunately, he suffered a back injury the week before the Orlando Pro Summer League, which sidelined him for most of the summer. While I believe he will recover, the biggest threat to Hilliard’s 2016-2017 season is coming into to camp with a nagging back injury or out of shape. Either one could hinder his camp and preseason play, the two times when he should get an extended opportunity to prove that he deserves a crack at the rotation.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

I predict Darrun Hilliard will show continued development this upcoming season. Although, I believe he is still at least a season away from cracking the rotation, his ability to create for himself and knock down the three-pointer will leave the door open. If Bullock ends up getting shipped out or finds himself in a cold streak, look for Hilliard to make a push for that fringe rotation role. If a trade does not happen, look for Hilliard to play similar minutes to last year while taking some small steps forward.

HENRY ELLENSON

Power Forward | 6’10” | 245 lbs. | Age: 19 | Experience: Rookie | From: Marquette

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Henry Ellenson has the potential to be a prototypical stretch-four. He seems to have the fundamentals, high basketball IQ, size, and shooting ability Coach Van Gundy has been looking for and all the NBA covets. He has the size, length, quickness, and aggressiveness to become an excellent rebounder and capable shot blocker.

WEAKNESSES

While he has a great deal of potential, he is currently a 19-year-old rookie in the NBA, and like most rookies, he will not be very efficient this year. Although he has a nice looking jumper, he still needs to develop his range. In summer league play he showed a good mid-range shot but consistently came up short from the NBA three-point line. We also saw him struggle against Justise Winslow of the Miami Heat in the Orlando Summer League, as he seemed to lack the explosive athleticism keep up defensively and finish offensively on athletic forwards.

OPPORTUNITIES

While I believe Ellenson will turn out to be a great stretch four and potentially the steal of the 2016 NBA draft, I don’t think it will happen this year. Ellenson’s biggest opportunity is going to come from developing and practicing against the horde of talented big men in Detroit. In practice, Ellenson will regularly go head to head with Drummond, Baynes, and Marjanovic forcing him to become bigger, tougher, and a better rebounder.

At other times he will go head to head with Tobias Harris, Marcus Morris, and Jon Leuer who will teach him how to get his shots, create for himself in the mid-range and play off the pick and pop. In fact, I dare to say, even if Ellenson doesn’t touch the floor this year his growth opportunities will be far greater in Detroit than anywhere else.

THREATS

Ellenson’s greatest threat is the flip side of his greatest opportunity. He is not going to get much playing time this year. He is going to be buried under Drummond, Baynes, Marjonovic, Harris, Morris, and Lauer. In fact, I believe he will spend a good deal of time in street clothes or hooping it up with the Grand Rapids Drive, the Pistons’ NBA D-League afiliate. This will be the first time in his career that he isn’t the star. For the first time he is going to have to work hard for little to no credit every day, and stay focused on his long-term development and opportunities. All of this could be difficult for a 19-year-old kid.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

I project Ellenson is going to have a great season, even though we won’t get to see much of him. Although he is only 19, he seems to have a great head on his shoulders, he seems to be committed to growing, and he seems to have the potential to do it. I think he will go hard every day in practice, really seize the opportunity to learn, and he will be ready to play a much bigger role next year. Also, look for Ellenson to have a few dominate performances in the D-League before the year is over.

MICHAEL GBINIJE

Small Forward | 6’7” | 200 lbs. | Age: 24 | Experience: Rookie | From: Syracuse

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Michael Gbinije is a solid all-around wing, with real 3-and-D potential in the NBA. He is an excellent 3 point shooter, averaging 40 percent, 34.9 percent, 39.2 percent and 39.1 percent respectively for his college career. He has a quick first step that gives him the ability to make plays, get to his spots, and finish around the hoop. He is also a good athlete and a flashy dunker on the fast break. In his final year at Syracuse, he took over and thrived as the primary ball handler and distributor.

WEAKNESSES

While he is a good athlete, he is not a great one. He lacks explosive quickness and leaping ability, and he has a relatively short wingspan for his size at 6’7″. The combination of these factors could limit his ultimate defensive potential. He is a below average free-throw shooter, shooting 63.9 percent for his college career and he doesn’t really have that “go-to-trait” that could help him establish a role with this team right away.

OPPORTUNITIES

Michael Gbinije has a unique opportunity, due to the Pistons salary cap position and his rookie contract. He should have time to develop his role over the next couple years within the Pistons’ system. Gbinije presents a special combination of shooting, size, and ball handling that could give Stan Van Gundy an interesting player to plug in as a secondary ball handler.  Giving the Pistons even more offensive versatility. His all-around skills and time to develop could allow him to grow into a player Stan Van Gundy will like to have around.

THREATS

Gbinije is 24 years old. After his first year at Duke, he transferred to Syracuse, had to sit out a year due to NCAA transfer eligibility, and then played for three more seasons under Jim Boeheim. Although he signed a three-year deal with the Pistons this summer, it is sure to come with some team options.

That means he will have to find a way to show continued growth and performance as he works his way into the rotation. This year, however, most of the growth and progress he will show will have to come while playing for the Drive in the D-League. The Pistons will be paying attention to his development, and want to keep a close eye on him to make sure his age and ceiling are not going to be a factor. If his age appears to be an issue, Detroit could choose to opt out sooner than later.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

While Gbinije is a couple years older than most players coming out of college these days, he has a unique set of tools and talents. For these reasons, I believe he may even possess sixth-man type potential in the next few years. That being said, this year, he will be bringing his talents to Grand Rapids, where he will be doing most of his development with the Drive. The good news is he will have some good company. I predict Gbinije is going to have some up and downs, struggle to get on the court much, but he will progress, and we will see more from him in the years to come.

RAY McCALLUM JR.

Point Guard | 6’3” | 190 lbs. | Age: 25 | Experience: 3 years | From: Detroit

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Ray McCallum Jr. is an extremely quick and athletic point guard, who can push the pace of the offense, get to the basket, and finish above the rim. He is an above average playmaker, who can make the right pass, and distribute in the open court. His speed and athleticism help him create for himself, and he is a good shooter from the three-point line. Best of all, he is a coach’s son and plays like it. He is fundamentally sound, a good rebounder for his size, a solid defender, and he does not turn the ball over with regularity.

WEAKNESSES

McCallum can be inconsistent. Over the last couple seasons, he has had some very solid performances and yet, he has struggled to concrete a consistent role with the Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies. Most of this is due to his ups and downs. When struggling or having an off night, he often forces the action leading to ill-advised shots which can make his lows even lower. He is a player that appears to have the talent but just hasn’t been able to put it all together.

OPPORTUNITIES

One word, History. Ray McCallum Jr. is from Detroit. He matured in Michigan, leading Detroit Country Day High School to a State Championship, and he thrived for the University of Detroit Titans under his father’s coaching. His connections with this Pistons organization, however, goes even deeper.

His father and Stan Van Gundy became good friends while coaching together as assistants under Stu Jackson at the University of Wisconsin. They were so close in fact, they used to share an office. On top of that, Stan Van Gundy’s son, Michael, attended the University of Detroit and was a member of Ray McCallum Sr.’s staff. If that wasn’t enough, McCallum Jr.’s former agent was none other than current Palace Sports and Entertainment’s Vice Chairman, Arn Tellem.

Now, I am not trying to argue that McCallum Jr. is going to make the team as a result of some misplaced nepotism. Not even close, in fact. Van Gundy doesn’t seem focused on anything other than winning. I do believe, however, McCallum is a solid young player, with potential, experience and much of what the Pistons are looking for in a third string point guard. That being said, I think all of his history with the city of Detroit and Stan Van Gundy specifically could definitely give him the edge in a tiebreaker if it were to come down to that.

THREATS

McCallum Jr.’s greatest threat is time. As in not having enough of it. McCallum has been downright excellent at times, and he has shown that he deserves to be on an NBA roster. However, this Pistons team currently has three other point guards and potentially a fourth, if you believe Gbinije could play at the point. Adding more of a challenge, all of these players have been in the Pistons program, learning and developing in the system longer. This is especially true about his main competition, Lorenzo Brown. If anything, the greatest threat to his season could be the lack of time to prove he belongs on this team before the Pistons have to trim down the roster.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

Although it’s tough to say, I predict that Ray McCallum Jr. will make this team. I predict that he is going to show that he has more than raw talent. He will prove he has the drive and the ability to grow into the player the Pistons are looking for. I don’t believe he will get a ton of minutes right away, but I do see him earning his spot, and before the season is done, he could see some real playing time.

Most of all, I believe it is no mistake that he has landed in Detroit. If anything, the fact that the local community, Van Gundy, and Tellem all know him well and want him on the team is a testament to his character and potential. If he didn’t belong or really have a strong chance to make this team, I think they would have skipped the trouble of bringing him in.

LORENZO BROWN

Point Guard | 6’5” | 189 lbs. | Age: 25 | Experience: 3 years | From: North Carolina State

STATS

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

STRENGTHS

Lorenzo Brown is a tall and physical point guard. He uses his solid frame and hyper-physical mentality to take the game to his opponent. As he displayed over and over in the Orlando Summer League, he is not scared to drive to the hole, get physical, and finish under pressure. He has a decent mid-range shot, is an effective distributor and can really push the offense. His similarities to Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith will help him fit into the offensive system.

WEAKNESSES

Brown is not an effective three-point shooter. He forces his shots. He will often pass up good looks to drive to the basket. He can be overly aggressive forcing his offenses. All of which has lead him to being a turnover-prone point guard.

OPPORTUNITIES

The system. Lorenzo Brown has now been in the Detroit Pistons basketball system for over a year and he thrived for the Drive in Grand Rapids. Last season, he averaged 18.3 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game in just over 33 minutes per contest. On top of that, he was the best performer on the Piston squad at the Orlando Summer League.

Brown has been a part of this system and he has thrived in it. Besides being a talented player, if he has anything going for him, it is his affiliation with the team. To develop a player in the system, bring him along, and then promote him to the NBA would be a huge win for the Drive and the Pistons organization as a whole.

THREATS

Ray McCallum Jr. It is hard to argue that there is anyone more deserving of an opportunity than Brown. However, McCallum is just as good a player and has a significantly better portfolio of work in the NBA. Brown is going to have to earn his spot, and the only way he is going to pull that off is to outplay, outperform, and outwork Ray McCallum Jr.

2016 – 2017 Season Projection

Although I hate to say it, I don’t think Brown will be on this Pistons roster when they trim it down to 15. Like I said before, it would be a huge win for the organization, and no one deserves the opportunity more, but unfortunately I’m not sure if that will be enough. 

However, I do believe he has absolutely turned some heads, and I would be surprised if the combination of his summer league and D-League play didn’t lead to another team picking him up once the season starts. Either way, I wouldn’t count him out just yet.

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