{"id":152853,"date":"2025-08-02T09:00:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T13:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=152853"},"modified":"2025-08-02T01:54:52","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T05:54:52","slug":"pistons-2025-26-rotation-key-players-roles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/08\/02\/pistons-2025-26-rotation-key-players-roles\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside the Pistons 2025-26 Rotation: Key Players and Roles"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With the 2025 offseason winding down, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/07\/30\/pistons-free-agency-grade-revealed-smart-moves-or-setbacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Pistons\u2019<\/a> 2025-26 rotation has taken shape. While the team parted ways with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/schrode01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dennis Schr\u00f6der<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hardati02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/beaslma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malik Beasley<\/a>, they made solid additions in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/robindu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Duncan Robinson<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/leverca01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Caris LeVert<\/a>. Add in the return of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/i\/iveyja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaden Ivey<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/stewais01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Stewart<\/a>, and the Pistons may be gearing up for a deep run in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n<p>Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is expected to rely on a firm nine-man rotation, and those slots seem locked in. But that opens the door for another layer of intrigue: who steps up for those spot minutes? Those Pistons\u2019 prospects could shape the season; camp and the preseason will determine who\u2019s ready to contribute.<\/p>\n<p>With the season fast approaching, it\u2019s time to break down the Pistons\u2019 projected rotation. Who will crack the starting lineup? Which bench players will earn steady minutes? And who, buried on the end of the bench, could become an unlikely spark when the Pistons need it most? Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n<h2>Inside the Pistons 2025-26 Rotation: Key Players and Roles<\/h2>\n<h3>The Five Pistons Fueling a Fierce 2025-26 Rotation<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>PG: Cade Cunningham<\/li>\n<li>SG: Jaden Ivey<\/li>\n<li>SF: Ausar Thompson<\/li>\n<li>PF: Tobias Harris<\/li>\n<li>C: Jalen Duren<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Pistons enter 2025\u201326 with the starting five they hoped for last year, now healthy and ready. Ivey returns after missing most of last season with a fractured fibula. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompau01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ausar Thompson<\/a> missed 18 games while recovering from a blood clot, but showed strong two-way potential. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/harrito02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tobias Harris<\/a> provides steady, underrated <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/14\/tobias-harris-leadership-pistons-growth\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">veteran leadership<\/a> for this young squad. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/durenja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Duren<\/a> continues to grow as a dominant, physical presence in the paint.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/cunnica01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cade Cunningham<\/a> leads the way after a breakout season: 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. His performance earned him All-Star and All-NBA honors\u2014and even a spot in the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/awards\/awards_2025.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">top 10 of MVP voting<\/a>. The next step in his ascent? Sharpening his decision-making and cutting down on turnovers as he becomes the face of Pistons basketball.<\/p>\n<h3>Solid Versatility<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Caris LeVert<\/li>\n<li>Duncan Robinson<\/li>\n<li>Ron Holland<\/li>\n<li>Isaiah Stewart<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Leading the bench unit are <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/07\/07\/trajan-langdon-offseason-set-pistons-up-for-steady-growth\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">two key offseason acquisitions<\/a>: LeVert and Robinson. LeVert brings versatility as a do-it-all wing\u2014capable of creating offense, defending multiple positions, and adjusting to whatever the Pistons need on a given night. Robinson replaces Beasley as the team\u2019s designated sharpshooter, but he offers a bit more creativity off the dribble and improved off-ball movement.<\/p>\n<p>Rookie forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hollaro01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ron Holland<\/a> turned heads in <a href=\"https:\/\/basketball.realgm.com\/nba\/summer\/1\/NBA-Summer-League\/59\/stats\/Detroit-Pistons\/8\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Summer League<\/a>, averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 52% from the field and 46% from beyond the arc. His athleticism and confidence could earn him significant playing time early in the season. Meanwhile, Isaiah Stewart remains a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/04\/01\/isaiah-stewart-represents-detroit\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">dependable presence<\/a> in the frontcourt, known for his toughness, rim protection, and ability to guard multiple positions.<\/p>\n<p>Expect the Pistons to stagger minutes so Ivey can take on a lead ball-handler role when Cunningham sits, similar to what Schr\u00f6der provided last season. His speed and downhill play style should keep the offense afloat during those stretches.<\/p>\n<h3>Spark Plugs<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Marcus Sasser<\/li>\n<li>Paul Reed<\/li>\n<li>Bobi Klintman<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This could be a breakout year for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sassema01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marcus Sasser<\/a>. Despite limited minutes through his first two seasons, he\u2019s remained poised and professional, consistently making the most of his opportunities. His defensive tenacity and three-level scoring ability make him an ideal change-of-pace guard off the bench.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reedpa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul Reed<\/a> brings relentless energy and hustle every time he steps on the floor. Whether it\u2019s grabbing offensive boards, switching onto smaller players, or blocking shots, he thrives in chaos \u2014 the kind of player every team needs in the trenches. As the Pistons\u2019 de facto third big, he\u2019ll be ready when called upon.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/klintbo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bobi Klintman<\/a> is a developmental prospect, but his size, mobility, and shooting could earn him spot minutes this season. If he shows the shooting and versatility from overseas, he could earn meaningful minutes as the season unfolds.<\/p>\n<h3>Developing Talent<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Daniss Jenkins<\/li>\n<li>Chaz Lanier (Two-Way)<\/li>\n<li>Tolu Smith (Two-Way)<\/li>\n<li>Colby Jones (Two-Way)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/laniech01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chaz Lanier<\/a>, selected 37th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, brings elite shooting upside to Detroit. While he\u2019s unlikely to crack the rotation early, the Pistons view him as a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/06\/26\/detroit-pistons-drafted-sniper-chaz-lanier\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">long-term piece<\/a> with the potential to become a floor-spacing weapon once he refines his overall game.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jenkida01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniss Jenkins<\/a> made the most of his Summer League opportunity, averaging 14.0 points and 5.4 assists on 45% shooting from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. He projects as a steady, low-risk option at point guard who can step in if injuries hit the backcourt.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/smithto05.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tolu Smith<\/a> impressed with his physicality, averaging 12.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. His rim protection and motor could make him a situational option if the Pistons need frontcourt depth, especially in matchups that demand size and interior toughness.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonesco02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colby Jones<\/a> is a guard known for his IQ and versatility. He signed a two-way deal with the Pistons after stints with Sacramento and Washington. He averaged 4.0 points in limited minutes last season and can contribute smart defense, secondary playmaking, and energy.<\/p>\n<h3>The Last Word<\/h3>\n<p>The 2025-26 Detroit Pistons rotation has something they haven\u2019t had in years: continuity, depth, and rising expectations. With a healthy core and rising star Cade Cunningham, the Pistons&#8217; starting five can compete with any team in the East. The bench boasts versatility\u2014veterans Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson add stability, while Ron Holland and Marcus Sasser bring youthful energy.<\/p>\n<p>This is a roster that can grow together and win together. If the Pistons stay healthy, play smart, and get consistent help from their bench, they could finally become genuine contenders. The foundation is set. Now it\u2019s time to prove it on the floor.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a9 Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the 2025 offseason winding down, the Detroit Pistons\u2019 2025-26 rotation has taken shape. While the team parted ways with Dennis Schr\u00f6der, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley, they made solid additions in Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert. Add in the return of Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart, and the Pistons may be gearing up [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5168,"featured_media":153088,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,10,62],"tags":[4704,49326,3965,1070,50131,50080,50107,2803,2380,4107,4432,4435,2291,49172,343,50114],"class_list":["post-152853","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-pistons","category-nba","tag-ausar-thompson","tag-bobi-klintman","tag-cade-cunningham","tag-caris-levert","tag-chaz-lanier","tag-colby-jones","tag-daniss-jenkins","tag-duncan-robinson","tag-isaiah-stewart","tag-jaden-ivey","tag-jalen-duren","tag-marcus-sasser","tag-paul-reed","tag-ron-holland","tag-tobias-harris","tag-tolu-smith"],"modified_by":"Jordan Pagkalinawan","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=152853"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152853\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":153087,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152853\/revisions\/153087"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/153088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=152853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=152853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}