With the 2025 offseason winding down, the Detroit Pistons’ 2025-26 rotation has taken shape. While the team parted ways with Dennis Schröder , Tim Hardaway Jr. , and Malik Beasley , they made solid additions in Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert . Add in the return of Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart , and the Pistons may be gearing up for a deep run in the Eastern Conference.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is expected to rely on a firm nine-man rotation, and those slots seem locked in. But that opens the door for another layer of intrigue: who steps up for those spot minutes? Those Pistons’ prospects could shape the season; camp and the preseason will determine who’s ready to contribute.
With the season fast approaching, it’s time to break down the Pistons’ projected rotation. Who will crack the starting lineup? Which bench players will earn steady minutes? And who, buried on the end of the bench, could become an unlikely spark when the Pistons need it most? Let’s dive in.
Inside the Pistons 2025-26 Rotation: Key Players and Roles
The Five Pistons Fueling a Fierce 2025-26 Rotation
- PG: Cade Cunningham
- SG: Jaden Ivey
- SF: Ausar Thompson
- PF: Tobias Harris
- C: Jalen Duren
The Pistons enter 2025–26 with the starting five they hoped for last year, now healthy and ready. Ivey returns after missing most of last season with a fractured fibula. Ausar Thompson missed 18 games while recovering from a blood clot, but showed strong two-way potential. Tobias Harris provides steady, underrated veteran leadership for this young squad. Jalen Duren continues to grow as a dominant, physical presence in the paint.
Cade Cunningham leads the way after a breakout season: 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. His performance earned him All-Star and All-NBA honors—and even a spot in the top 10 of MVP voting . The next step in his ascent? Sharpening his decision-making and cutting down on turnovers as he becomes the face of Pistons basketball.
Solid Versatility
- Caris LeVert
- Duncan Robinson
- Ron Holland
- Isaiah Stewart
Leading the bench unit are two key offseason acquisitions : LeVert and Robinson. LeVert brings versatility as a do-it-all wing—capable of creating offense, defending multiple positions, and adjusting to whatever the Pistons need on a given night. Robinson replaces Beasley as the team’s designated sharpshooter, but he offers a bit more creativity off the dribble and improved off-ball movement.
Rookie forward Ron Holland turned heads in Summer League , averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 52% from the field and 46% from beyond the arc. His athleticism and confidence could earn him significant playing time early in the season. Meanwhile, Isaiah Stewart remains a dependable presence in the frontcourt, known for his toughness, rim protection, and ability to guard multiple positions.
Expect the Pistons to stagger minutes so Ivey can take on a lead ball-handler role when Cunningham sits, similar to what Schröder provided last season. His speed and downhill play style should keep the offense afloat during those stretches.
Spark Plugs
- Marcus Sasser
- Paul Reed
- Bobi Klintman
This could be a breakout year for Marcus Sasser . Despite limited minutes through his first two seasons, he’s remained poised and professional, consistently making the most of his opportunities. His defensive tenacity and three-level scoring ability make him an ideal change-of-pace guard off the bench.
Paul Reed brings relentless energy and hustle every time he steps on the floor. Whether it’s grabbing offensive boards, switching onto smaller players, or blocking shots, he thrives in chaos — the kind of player every team needs in the trenches. As the Pistons’ de facto third big, he’ll be ready when called upon.
Bobi Klintman is a developmental prospect, but his size, mobility, and shooting could earn him spot minutes this season. If he shows the shooting and versatility from overseas, he could earn meaningful minutes as the season unfolds.
Developing Talent
- Daniss Jenkins
- Chaz Lanier (Two-Way)
- Tolu Smith (Two-Way)
- Colby Jones (Two-Way)
Chaz Lanier , selected 37th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, brings elite shooting upside to Detroit. While he’s unlikely to crack the rotation early, the Pistons view him as a long-term piece with the potential to become a floor-spacing weapon once he refines his overall game.
Daniss Jenkins made the most of his Summer League opportunity, averaging 14.0 points and 5.4 assists on 45% shooting from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. He projects as a steady, low-risk option at point guard who can step in if injuries hit the backcourt.
Tolu Smith impressed with his physicality, averaging 12.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. His rim protection and motor could make him a situational option if the Pistons need frontcourt depth, especially in matchups that demand size and interior toughness.
Colby Jones is a guard known for his IQ and versatility. He signed a two-way deal with the Pistons after stints with Sacramento and Washington. He averaged 4.0 points in limited minutes last season and can contribute smart defense, secondary playmaking, and energy.
The Last Word
The 2025-26 Detroit Pistons rotation has something they haven’t had in years: continuity, depth, and rising expectations. With a healthy core and rising star Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ starting five can compete with any team in the East. The bench boasts versatility—veterans Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson add stability, while Ron Holland and Marcus Sasser bring youthful energy.
This is a roster that can grow together and win together. If the Pistons stay healthy, play smart, and get consistent help from their bench, they could finally become genuine contenders. The foundation is set. Now it’s time to prove it on the floor.
© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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