Detroit Pistons: Predicting roles for the entire Pistons’ roster

Detroit Pistons starting Small Forward Saddiq Bey.

Expected Role: Starting Small Forward, 2nd Leading Scorer

Saddiq Bey was the star of the Pistons rookie class scoring 12 points a game and earning a spot on the All-Rookie first team. He played solid defense but really shone on the offensive end. Bey was a great shooter from deep and made the 2nd most threes of any rookie in NBA history behind Donovan Mitchell. In summer league and preseason, Bey has improved off the bounce game and the ability to create his own shot.

Bey seems much more confident in this part of his game, and it should carry over to the regular season. The key for this to be effective will be decision making. Bey will need to balance hunting for his own shot and knowing when to move the ball. In Summer League, he showed some flashes of tunnel vision when he needed to move the ball.

Bey was better about passing in the preseason, but it will be something to watch. If Bey can make the smart pass, his three-point shot, post-game, and size could present an exciting matchup problem for opposing teams.

Detroit Pistons starting Power Forward Jerami Grant.

Expected Role: Starting Power Forward, The Guy

Coming off a near All-Star berth and an Olympic gold medal, Jerami Grant is the team’s unquestioned best player and leader. In his first year as a Piston, Grant was a revelation scoring 22 points on good efficiency as the teams leading scorer.

This year, Grant should be even better with a year of experience and a better supporting cast. The year of experience should help Grant know what to expect from defenses and how to stay fresh over the long season. Grant’s goal for the season should be to improve his efficiency and consistency to become a true number one.

Detroit Pistons starting Center Isaiah Stewart.

Expected Role: Starting Center, Bruiser

Another All-Rookie team member, Isaiah Stewart, is looking to build off a strong rookie year. The key to Stewart’s success is his unrelenting motor. Stewart only knows one speed, and that is 100 miles per hour. His effort led to a rookie best 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

On top of that, Stewart showed flashes of a three-point shot and switchability on the perimeter. This year, Stewart is expected to jump into the starting lineup full-time. With the bump in playing time, Stewart will need to learn to defend without fouling, so he can stay on the floor.

Plus, he will need to continue to develop his perimeter shot to open up the floor for Hayes and Cunningham.