The Detroit Pistons kicked off their pre-season with a solid 128-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. After some early jitters, the team began to find its rhythm, showing promising signs of cohesion as it started to gel on the court. If this performance is any indication, the Pistons could be a team that keeps fans — both home and away — on their toes with an exciting, emotionally charged style of play .
Heading into the season, much of the conversation around the Pistons has centered on their rotation. With the departures of Dennis Schröder , Tim Hardaway Jr. , and Malik Beasley , many wondered if the second unit would have enough firepower. However, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff offered a glimpse into his rotation strategy, suggesting there’s reason for optimism.
In the NBA, first impressions matter, especially for players trying to carve out roles. Based on this first game, the Pistons are clearly laying the groundwork for a rotation designed to help them compete and grow within the Eastern Conference . So, what exactly does that rotation look like? Let’s take a closer look.
Pistons Rotation Ready To Power Eastern Conference Rise?
Pistons Rotation Powered by Electrifying Wing Talent
If last night’s game showed anything, perimeter players might be nervous this season. Versatile defenders Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland shared the floor. Opponents could struggle to find easy outside scoring opportunities. But that defensive intensity raises a question: Is the Pistons’ scoring at risk with those two on the court?
Early signs suggest that won’t be the case. Holland has been noticeably more aggressive in taking his shots, continuing the offensive growth he showed in the summer. Meanwhile, Thompson keeps proving he’s a do-it-all player—combining lockdown defense with the ability to contribute across the board—which makes him an invaluable piece in the Pistons’ rotation.
One Or The Other
Opinions on the Pistons’ offseason moves are mixed—some fans see the loss of Schröder as a significant hole that wasn’t fully addressed. However, many also recognize that Schröder was initially brought in to fill the gap left by Jaden Ivey as the team’s secondary ball handler. Now that Ivey is back on the court, the Pistons’ vision for their backcourt rotation is becoming clearer.
The plan is to stagger minutes so Cade Cunningham , Ivey, or both are on the floor together. The sample size is small, but Ivey showed flashes of his explosive speed and playmaking. While he’s not fully back to pre-injury form yet, these glimpses should give fans confidence. The team’s rotation strategy looks promising moving forward.
Youthful Depth
While the spotlight is on the Pistons’ key players this season, some of the younger guys seized their opportunities to make an impact. Leading that group is Marcus Sasser , who has the potential to be a true game-changer for the Pistons this year.
Players like Daniss Jenkins, Tolu Smith, and Chaz Lanier can also be valuable contributors if called upon. Success in a long NBA season often comes down to having reliable contingency plans for unexpected setbacks. While teams usually look to make roster moves to address gaps, sometimes the best solutions come from within.
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons have laid a strong foundation, showing they have the pieces to build something special. With relentless defenders like Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland setting the tone on the perimeter, and playmakers Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey driving the offense with skill and speed, this team has the talent and versatility to make a real impact.
Talent alone won’t be enough. The Pistons must stay committed to their vision. They need tough defense and consistent energy. Depth will also play a key role. Players like Marcus Sasser must seize their moments. Others waiting in the wings will provide crucial support when called upon.
This season won’t be handed to them; it will be earned through grit, growth, and resilience. But if the Pistons continue to buy into the process and play with the passion they’ve shown so far, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. Detroit is ready—not just to compete, but to rise.
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