The Detroit Pistons bounced back in Game 2, tying the series 1-1 against the Orlando Magic. Still, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff saw enough in the win that could suggest a change to the starting lineup is due.
Duncan Robinson was signed to be the shooting spark for the Pistons when the postseason arrived, and through the first two games, it’s safe to say the sharpshooter has been less of an answer and more of a problem.
Beyond Robinson, the bench unit in Detroit has raised some flags after yet another lackluster performance in Wednesday’s win.
However, one bench player in specific who’s played well in his limited minutes is Javonte Green, who’s continuously stepped up when his number has been called upon.
Considering the concerns between Robinson’s underwhelming contributions and Green’s steadiness off the bench, perhaps Detroit could accomplish two tasks at once by swapping the two.
Pistons should start Javonte Green in favor of Duncan Robinson
Dating back to his days with the Boston Celtics, Green has always seemed to rise to the occasion when given the opportunity.
The veteran forward shot 38.1% from three throughout the regular season, and as an athletic wing, he’s proven capable of defending at a high enough level for Detroit to play him extended stints.
Slotting Green in favor of Robinson in the starting lineup may not seem like the answer fans are looking for, but considering the playoffs are all about adjustments, it could be the move to unlock more consistent performances.
Robinson slotting into a spot on the bench would give him a similar role to his time with the Miami Heat, where he became one of the best sparkplug scorers off the bench with his knockdown shooting.
Considering one of Detroit’s biggest problems right now is the lack of contribution from the bench unit, having Green fill in for Robinson in the starting five would give the Pistons the luxury of turning to the likes of Robinson, Kevin Huerter, and Caris LeVert, among others, to alternate into the lineup.
Green would be a seamless fit
Green’s three-point shooting has already been touched on, but what he offers as a lob threat and savvy cutter could be a perfect fit alongside Cunningham in the starting lineup.
And just because the Radford product starts doesn’t mean he has to outpace Robinson in minutes, but it would give Detroit different options and lineup variety they don’t currently have.
Making the change after a statement win in Game 2 may not seem like ideal timing, but with the first road game of the season incoming, it’s clear a change could benefit Bickerstaff’s squad.
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