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Detroit Pistons: Looking At Point Guard Depth Chart

By Michael Manning

Mar 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) chases a ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Detroit 101-87. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) chases a ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Detroit 101-87. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons will enter training camp with four point guards to find roles for. The Pistons have a young, up-and-coming point guard who is just coming off his first big payday in Reggie Jackson, whom the Pistons hope will develop into an All-Star.

In addition the team employs a second All-Star caliber guard who is coming off a season-ending injury and who is looking to continue his success from last season in Brandon Jennings. The Pistons will look to integrate newly acquired 15-year vet Steve Blake.

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The final member of the Pistons foursome of point guards is Spencer Dinwiddie, who is looking to show fans and coaches alike that he is worth a roster spot after a disappointing summer league. Below my is my prediction of how the Pistons will divide minutes at the point.

Starter: Reggie Jackson

Like it or not, Reggie Jackson will be the Pistons starting point guard for the next five years. The 25-year-old signed a five-year, $80 million extension with the club. During Jackson’s welcome back press conference, head coach Stan Van Gundy made it clear the he was handing Jackson the keys. “We look at Reggie as a big part of our foundation that we’re trying to build here.”

Jackson fits extremely well with super-star center Andre Drummond as the duo was The Pistons second most effective last season. Along with being spectacular duo on the court, Jackson and Drummond seem to genuinely enjoy each others company off the floor as well. All of this seems to seal Jackson’s position as the starting point guard for the foreseeable future.

Projected Minutes- 33 t0 35

6th man/Backup Brandon Jennings

Brandon Jennings is going to have to adjust to a new role this season. After being in the starting lineup for all but three of his career 412 career games, Jennings is most likely is going to most likely have to adjust to a role off the bench for the 2015-16 season.

Jennings can deliver the ball to the stop up shooters off the Pistons bench as he was very effective playing next to Anthony Tolliver and Jodie Meeks last season. He also will look to develop chemistry with Aron Baynes as they could form a lethal pick-and-pop duo.

Jennings could play some minutes beside Jackson in the backcourt. However his main role is most likely going to be leading the charge off the bench for the Pistons.

Projected minutes- 25 to 28

Third String Spencer Dinwiddie

Many fans were expecting to see newly acquired Steve Blake here. Well I am here to tell you why Spencer Dinwiddie will take the job despite a rocky summer league.  First of all Dinwiddie is younger and has more potential to grow as Dinwiddie is just 22 years old and can develop along side the Pistons young core.

At 6’6″ and with a 6’8″ wing span, Dinwiddie can defend point guards and shooting guards. Combined with rookie Stanley Johnson the Pistons will have duo off the bench that will have opposing offensive players shaking.  That is if the Pistons take the time to develop Dinwiddie.

Projected Minutes- 5 to 8

Possible Cut/Injury Reserve-  Steve Blake

Steve Blake was acquired July 13 for Quincy Miller. Despite having guaranteed deal Blake is not guaranteed a roster spot due to the Pistons having three more point guards. However, Stan Van Gundy seems sold on what Blake can do off the floor.  He told the Pistons official web site that Blake will be a excellent mentor for a young Pistons team.

“I think Steve, Joel (Anthony) and Anthony (Tolliver) as our only guys over 30 give us veteran guys who are really, really solid pros and good people for those guys to watch and grow up around.”

Blake may never get off the bench for a stretch of games. But don’t count out him being on the floor all together. If Dinwiddie gets out of control, or if Jennings’ effectiveness is limited because of his knee injury Stan Van Gundy will have Steve Blake ready to go out and nail some spot up threes.

Projected Minutes- 3 to 5 (But don’t count out a big shot)

Next: 25 Best Players To Play For The Detroit Pistons

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