The Detroit Pistons are gearing up for the 2025-26 season with training camp starting on September 29. Under the guidance of president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the team aims to build on last year’s success, which included a remarkable 44-win season that ended a 17-year playoff victory drought. As the Pistons prepare for their first preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 6, several critical position battles are emerging.
Backup Point Guard Competition
Following the departure of Dennis Schröder via a sign-and-trade to the Sacramento Kings, the Pistons find themselves in need of a reliable backup point guard behind Cade Cunningham. The return of Jaden Ivey, who had been sidelined by a leg injury, may help fill this gap. Last season, Ivey played nearly 40% of his minutes as a point guard and demonstrated significant potential, averaging 17.6 points and four assists per game before his injury.
With both Cunningham and Ivey likely sharing playmaking duties, Bickerstaff may need to explore alternative options should either player miss time. Marcus Sasser and Caris LeVert are both candidates for additional ball-handling responsibilities. Sasser, known for his shooting and dribbling skills, thrives alongside another playmaker, while LeVert’s versatility as a wing allows him to contribute effectively in various roles. Langdon praised LeVert’s adaptability, stating, “He can go out there and guard ones, twos and threes. He can handle, he can be a secondary ballhandler.”
Shooting Guard/Wing Dynamics
The departures of Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr., who logged significant minutes last season, necessitate a reconfiguration of the wing rotation. Ivey, alongside rookie Ausar Thompson, is expected to absorb some of these minutes, with Thompson looking to make a strong impact after a delayed season debut last year due to health issues. New acquisitions, including LeVert and Duncan Robinson, will play pivotal roles. Robinson, known for his elite shooting, is particularly crucial as the team moves forward without its top two shooters from the previous season.
If Ivey and Thompson reclaim their starting positions, Ivey may assume much of the responsibility for offensive spacing, a role previously held by Hardaway. Robinson’s potential to log significant minutes, even if he doesn’t start, could mirror Beasley’s workload last season. Meanwhile, Javonte Green and rookie Chaz Lanier are also in contention for playing time, further intensifying competition within the wing positions.
Power Forward Rotation Insights
Looking ahead to the power forward spot, veteran Tobias Harris is expected to retain his starting role on opening night. However, the landscape becomes murkier when Harris is off the court. The departure of Simone Fontecchio, who served as the main backup last season, leaves a void that may require a by-committee approach to fill. With the Pistons seeking a suitable replacement, Thompson and rookie Ron Holland possess the size necessary to defend against most power forwards, although both have yet to establish a consistent three-point shooting presence.
Holland’s development during the summer league could prove vital, particularly if he can continue to enhance his shooting accuracy. With Fontecchio’s exit, Holland could see increased minutes, especially after averaging 15.6 minutes per game as a rookie.
As the Pistons embark on the new season, the resolution of these position battles will be crucial in determining the team’s trajectory. With a mixture of returning talent and new faces, the Pistons are poised for what could be a transformative year in Detroit basketball.
