​Entering the preseason, the Detroit Pistons starting lineup was not quite set in stone, though most already had a fairly sound idea of which players would earn the nod for their invitation into the first five. After coming over in a sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, John Collins is the lone alteration to the Pistons’ starting group from last season with Tobias Harris now a member of the San Antonio Spurs. So, Collins was thrust into the four spot during each of Detroit’s four preseason games, though he moonlighted at center for small periods of play. Despite his cameo at the five, Collins is expected to join Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren in the starting lineup when all players are healthy. But throughout the Pistons exhibition slate, the team provided a glimpse into what the Detroit second-string and third-string units could look like. Entering the season, the Pistons are expected to trot out Daniss Jenkins as their backup point guard with Isaiah Joe slotting in behind Robinson in the backcourt. From there, the preseason made it look like they’d be joined by Kevin Huerter, Ron Holland II and Paul Reed to round out the wing and the frontcourt in the Motor City. That group would have a fairly balanced mixture of experienced vets in Reed, Joe and Huerter while Jenkins and Holland develop alongside their guidance. Detroit’s reserve five-man pairing has perimeter shooting from Joe and Huerter, versatile defensive freedom coming from Holland and a productive big man in the paint courtesy of B-Ball Paul. As a whole, that lineup offers Detroit’s patented defensive toughness while still retaining floor spacing and efficiency on the other end. From there, Detroit’s depth chart becomes much more interesting. Rookie point guard Ebuka Okorie has acquitted himself well during the preseason, and the former Stanford floor general already has a game-winner under his belt. Although he should be given an opportunity to earn the back-up spot, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff may make the sensible choice to bring the 19-year old along slowly. Staying in the backcourt, Chaz Lanier should be given the chance to stick at the two, but he will have to fend off competition from Elijah Harkless, who could fit in at either backcourt position quite frankly. But Lanier has a steady, repeatable three-point stroke on his side, so that caveat could upend Harkless’ charge for minutes initially. However, don’t be surprised to see Harkless work his way into the rotation with a sense of tenacity and playmaking that is difficult for coaches to agree to go without. In other words, Harkless has the tools to stick. Javonte Green played in all 82 regular season games for Detroit last year, so he will have a role somewhere on the squad even if it is third-string wing, then Taurean Prince and Tolu Smith should occupy the final two spots in the frontcourt. If the Pistons suffer any injury trouble from their big men, Isaac Jones