Detroit Pistons: When can we expect to see Isaiah Livers in action?

The Detroit Pistons have four young players who will try to earn minutes this season, including second-round pick Isaiah Livers.

Livers and Luka Garza were selected in the second round and the Pistons also grabbed Chris Smith and Jamorko Pickett as undrafted free agents who then signed two-way deals.

All four players had distinguished college careers and come to the Detroit Pistons a bit older and with at least one NBA-ready skill.

Both Livers and Garza ended up with full-time contracts, which is already a victory, but Livers is eager to get back on the court after suffering an injury late in his final college season.

So when will Livers return and what can we expect when he does?

Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Livers hopes to make an impact in his rookie season

I was actually surprised that Livers got a full-time contract, but the Pistons must have been impressed with what they saw of him in college and have faith that he will return 100 percent from his injury.

Livers will be cleared for action on November 1st, so he will definitely miss at least the first six games of the season.

Even when Livers does return, it’s very unlikely that he will do so with the Pistons, as he’s had no offseason and will almost certainly get some reps in the starting lineup of the Motor City Cruise when he comes back.

I wouldn’t expect to see Isaiah Livers on the Detroit Pistons until near the trade deadline, as it’s possible the Pistons will make some moves and clear a roster spot.

Once he does, I think Livers can absolutely contribute on this team in the role Trey Lyles is currently filling as a 3-and-D power forward who can defend all over the floor. That will be a positional battle worth monitoring as the season develops, especially if the Pistons fall out of contention.

Livers shot 43 percent from deep in his final college season on five attempts per game, so we know he can stroke it. We also know he can defend, and his high motor is probably one of the main reasons Troy Weaver was so enamored with him.

Livers will definitely get some run this season if he can return healthy, but expect him to spend half the season or so in the G-League getting ready.

As a Michigan native he will be a fan favorite right away, so I’m excited for Livers to get back in the action soon.