NBA Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons: 5 Biggest Questions Heading into Training Camp

Detroit Pistons: 5 Biggest Questions Heading into Training Camp

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The Detroit Pistons have the longest playoff drought in the Eastern Conference and with a new regime and fresh faces, there's finally some optimism. Uncertainty still remains, however. Here are the five biggest questions heading into training camp.

No. 5: Can Brandon Jennings lead this team?

BRANDON JENNINGS
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No. 5: Can Brandon Jennings lead this team?

BRANDON JENNINGS
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY-Sports

It's no secret Brandon Jennings has been inconsistent in his career. But with an elite head coach and an upgrade in talent around him, can he finally lead this team? There are no more excuses for him. It's now or never for Jennings.

No. 4: Can role players make an impact?

CARON BUTLER
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY-Sports

No. 4: Can role players make an impact?

CARON BUTLER
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY-Sports

The Pistons notably added Caron Butler, Jodie Meeks, D.J. Augustin and Cartier Martin for perimeter shooting. But in the cases of Butler (veteran presence), Meeks (all around game) and Augustin (steady point guard), they bring more than just shooting. Can they do enough to make their signings worth it?

No. 3: Will Greg Monroe become a distraction?

GREG MONROE
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY-Sports

No. 3: Will Greg Monroe become a distraction?

GREG MONROE
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY-Sports

Through his entire career, Greg Monroe has never been in the news for anything negative. Then this past summer rolls around and suddenly his public image has taken a hit. First, with rumors swirling that he wants out of Detroit as quickly as possible. Then getting suspended for the first two games of the 2014-15 season for “driving while visibly impaired.” Is it fair to ask if Monroe will become a distraction this year?

No. 2: Can Josh Smith finally get it?

JOSH SMITH
Pat Covell-USA TODAY-Sports

No. 2: Can Josh Smith finally get it?

JOSH SMITH
Pat Covell-USA TODAY-Sports

Just like Brandon Jennings, it’ll be the first time Smith will play under an elite head coach. Make no mistake, Stan Van Gundy will force Smith to limit his jump shots, and rightfully so. Smith is a highly efficient player inside the paint. Last season, he shot 63.2 percent within five feet of the rim. From less than eight feet, he shot 55.6 percent. This year, can he finally get it?

No. 1: Can Stan Van Gundy fix the Pistons?

STAN VAN GUNDY
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY-Sports

No. 1: Can Stan Van Gundy fix the Pistons?

STAN VAN GUNDY
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY-Sports

As already mentioned, for the first time in years, the Pistons have an elite head coach, and his track record proves it. But can Van Gundy work his magic and fix this Detroit team? Despite some upgrades, it’s still a quirky roster featuring the trio of Andre Drummond, Monroe and Smith. For the Pistons’ sake, let’s hope he’s just the guy they needed.

Fuad Shalhout is a Detroit Pistons writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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