Pistons Starting Lineup: Locks, fringe, potential break-ins

The Detroit Pistons have a new-look roster after drafting Cade Cunningham and signing Kelly Olynyk and Trey Lyles in free agency.

As a result, this 20-win team from a season ago is going to have a new starting lineup, with additions in several spots. Let’s take a look at how that starting lineup should shake out, beginning with the locks to start. We’ll then look at fringe candidates to break into the starting lineup, as well as fringe candidates.

Pistons Starting Lineup: Who are the locks to start?

Jerami Grant

We don’t have to dig too deep to find the first lock, Jerami Grant. Coming off a career year, Grant should have the opportunity to flourish alongside Cade Cunningham in the starting lineup. He struggled down the stretch, particularly after Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin moved on to greener pastures, and he alone was the sole source of NBA-ready scoring and defense for much of the season. With Cunningham, his life is going to be a whole lot easier and his performance should reflect that.

Cade Cunningham

It should also come as no surprise to see Cade Cunningham show up in our starting lineup locks category. He’s the star of the future for the Detroit Pistons, and he certainly seems more than ready to shoulder a heavy load for his new team. That places him firmly in the starting lineup alongside Grant as they form a strong one-two punch on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

With our locks out of the way, let’s take a look at fringe candidates for the starting lineup.