Detroit Pistons: 2 players you won’t see for a while

When evaluating how the Detroit Pistons will be as a team this season, remember there are two players you haven’t seen yet: Isaiah Livers and Chris Smith. They might not be projected starters, but they will affect the team’s depth and player rotations.

The Detroit Pistons have not been at full strength during the preseason. Most of it is due to the ‘abundance of caution’ rationale with minor injuries. That is why Cade Cunnningham, Killian Hayes and Frank Jackson missed the opener against San Antonio. If this had been a regular season game, they probably all could have played.

However, there are two players you will not see at all during the preseason due to injuries: forwards Isaiah Livers and Chris Smith.

This is not a backward step in their development. They were signed already injured, so the Pistons organization knew to plan around not having the pair at the beginning.

Livers and Smith missed summer league and now training camp due to injuries suffered in college. They most likely will not be ready for the early part of the regular season as well. The Pistons have put out no timetable for the return of either player.