Detroit Pistons: Looking At Shooting Guard Depth

ByMichael Manning|

Dec 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jodie Meeks (20) looks back to high five a teammate after making a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Production at the shooting guard will either make or break the Detroit Pistons during the 2015-16 season. With that in mind let’s take a look at the players who will have to produce for the Pistons have a shot at the playoffs. The Pistons currently employ four shooting guards.

Reggie Bullock, who was a throw-in the Marcus Morris trade, could develop into a decent three-and-D guy off the bench. Darrun Hilliard, a rookie, was signed to a three-year deal in July. Jodie Meeks, the third member of the backcourt logjam, had his tremendous shooting while with the Lakers fall off last season with the Pistons.

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Last but not least, there is Kentavious Caldwell Pope, whom the Pistons will need find a role for, a player that took a major step forward last season and should continue to improve as he gains more NBA experence.

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Starter: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

After enduring a constantly changing role in his first season, Caldwell-Pope found a consistent role as the Pistons starting shooting guard during his sophomore campaign and there seems to be no reason to send KCP back to the bench as he showed great promise as a starter, doubling his points per game last season.

This offensive improvement should continue as the Pistons offense becomes more free flowing with the additions of more shooters.

KCP as a starter also fits extremely well next to the Pistons core of Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond as his tremendous spot-up shooting will open up space on the interior for Drummond and driving lanes for Jackson.

Projected Minutes- 31 to 34

Backup- Jodie Meeks

After averaging a career high 15.7 points with the Lakers during the 2013-14 season ,Jodie Meeks’ scoring fell to just 11.1 with the Pistons last season. However I believe that Meeks will have a resurgent year in 2015-16. This is due to combination of two factors.

First, like all 3-point shooters Meeks thrives off of repetition and rhythm. Last season his rhythm was disrupted after he missed the first 22 games of the season with a back injury. Second, Meeks should now have more open looks as the Pistons have added bench reinforcements such as Aron Baynes and Stanley Johnson.

With that in mind Pistons’ fans should expect to Meeks’ points and shooting percentages climb during the 2015-16 season.

Projected Minutes- 25 to 28

Third String Reggie Bullock

Reggie Bullock might be a valuable piece for the Pistons after being an after thought in the Marcus Morris deal. Bullock, who is 6’7″, has the height, strength and, most importantly, the desire to match up with elite offensive players. On the other side of the ball Bullock can hit the occasional spot up shot and is an excellent finisher at the basket.

Bullock never tries something that he can’t do on offense as Bullock’s former head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged in a 2013 interview with ESPN’s Jovan Buha.

Projected Minutes- 8 to 11

D-League – Darrun Hilliard

With three shooting guards ahead of Darrun Hilliard on the depth chart, it’s more than likely that he will be spending the majority of the season with the Piston’s D-League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive. This could be a good thing for the 22-year-old rookie as he had difficulty adjusting to NBA defenses during summer league action.

For Hilliard to move up in Stan Van Gundy’s depth chart he must rediscover the shooting stroke he showed at Villanova.

Projected Minutes- 3 to 5

Next: 25 Best Players To Play For The Detroit Pistons

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