Detroit Pistons: Dividing The Small Forward Minutes

Last season, the small forward spot was a major liability for the Detroit Pistons as they started at various times a mediocre Kyle Singler, a washed-up Caron Butler and the tattered remnants of Tayshaun Prince. The Pistons took steps during the off season to improve the small forward position.

This season’s corps appears to begin with Marcus Morris, a reliable three-point shooter who was traded to the Pistons on July 2. The second member of the revamped small forward position is the eighth overall pick Stanley Johnson, who looks to be the Pistons best perimeter defender. Finally there is Danny Granger who was an All-Star in 2009 and has been on downward spiral ever since.

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Starter: Marcus Morris

Marcus Morris will start the season with a chip on his shoulder after the Suns traded him away for just a 2020 second-round pick. In his introductory press conference with the Pistons, he called the trade from the Suns, “A slap in the face.” Ultimately Morris expressed excitement about joining the Pistons and said he will be ready for camp.

Morris’ tremendous spot-up shooting will earn him minutes as floor spacing is essential in Stan Van Gundy’s system. Morris’ scoring average has steadily increased over the course of his NBA career. The former Jayhawk may see his point totals jump dramatically with more minutes, freedom, and open looks.

However Morris may see his minutes and his role usurped by Stanley Johnson if he proves that other starting small forwards will expose him on defense.

Projected Minutes: 25 to 27

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Backup: Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson will be facing pressure to preform this season after the Pistons passed on Justise Winslow, who many considered to be the top small forward in the draft to select him. Johnson’s 6’11” wingspan and his quickness should allow him be one of the better defenders in the NBA. He also has the same defense-first attitude that brought the Pistons a champoinship in 2004.

There is less reason to worry about Johnson’s jump shot abandoning him in the pros after he shot 41 percent from the NBA three-point line line during Summer League. Johnson isn’t just a spot-up shooter. He also displayed a reliable floater during his one season at Arizona along with his deadly pull-up jumper.

I would expect Johnson to start his first season on the bench but his finishing the season there is far from a certainty.

Projected Minutes: 23 to 25

Cut Candidate/3rd string: Danny Granger

After injuring his knee during the 2012-13 season, Danny Granger has never been able to get back to All-Star form. Could this be the year Granger gets back to form? It’s possible but not likely. In an interview with The Detroit Free Press Stan Van Gundy did not sound optimistic when he was asked about Granger.

“Obviously great respect for him as a player and as a person (he’s) everything we’ve heard, but he’s had some significant health problems.”

Van Gundy’s lack of optimism seems to indicate that Granger is destined to be waived before the season starts.

Projected Minutes: N/A, cut

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Starter: Marcus Morris

Backup: Stanley Johnson

Cut Candidate/3rd string: Danny Granger

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