Coachspeak · DET

DETChaz LanierRole & RotationPresser2d

Lanier has a chance to earn minutes in preseason despite a crowded roster.

“It's difficult, obviously, with just the amount of guys we have. But he's got an opportunity to earn minutes through preseason.”

DETChaz LanierDevelopmentPresser2d

Lanier has taken a step defensively with backcourt pressure and off-ball defense.

“Taking the step, which I believe he has defensively, being able to pick the ball up in the backcourt, you know, his off-ball defense, because we know he can make shots.”

DETJohn CollinsRole & RotationPresser3d

Collins can play the four or the five while Detroit is still sorting its lineups.

“We're working through some of these things and just trying to figure out lineups positionally. But his ability to play the four or the five, his ability to stretch the floor, he's been an elite roller through his career also.”

DETAusar ThompsonMinutes & UsageReviewedPresser3d

Ausar Thompson getting expanded ball-handling reps as the Pistons work to grow his role as a creator.

“We obviously want Ausar to have the ball in his hands. We believe like if he takes a jump, our team is going to take a jump. In order to do that, he's got to get that exposure.”

DETAusar ThompsonDevelopmentReviewedPresser3d

Ausar Thompson getting expanded ball-handling reps as the Pistons work to grow his role as a creator.

“We obviously want Ausar to have the ball in his hands. We believe like if he takes a jump, our team is going to take a jump. In order to do that, he's got to get that exposure.”