As the 2025-26 NBA All-Star break passes, the Detroit Pistons hold a commanding 39-13 record and a 5.5-game lead over the second seed in the Eastern Conference. This strong standing puts the Pistons in a prime spot to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, making it crucial for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to fine-tune his roster and lineups in preparation for the postseason.
One key area needing attention involves veteran guard Caris LeVert. Despite being a consistent part of the rotation since joining the Pistons in the offseason, LeVert’s ongoing struggles on offense have raised questions about his role going forward. Bickerstaff currently allocates about 20 minutes per game to LeVert, but a reassessment may be necessary as the team looks to maximize its postseason readiness.
Evaluating Caris LeVert’s On-Court Impact and Need for Adjustments
LeVert’s recent performance against the Charlotte Hornets, where he posted a minus-19 net rating over 22 minutes, highlighted difficulties that have followed him throughout the season. Although Detroit secured a six-point victory, LeVert’s presence complicated the team’s closing efforts. This pattern is backed by statistics: according to Cleaning the Glass, the Pistons’ net rating is 9.2 points worse per 100 possessions when LeVert is on the floor than when he is off, the poorest mark among the entire roster.
His defensive improvements have been noticeable, which likely explains Bickerstaff’s continued trust in him. Offensively, however, LeVert’s role has diminished significantly; his 17.7% usage rate is the lowest since his rookie year, and his shooting efficiency has declined from a 58.2% True Shooting percentage last season to 53.9% this year. He attempts only 3.1 three-pointers per game, converting 32.7%—a combination insufficient for a team urgently needing reliable shooting.
Potential Lineup Changes to Address Offensive Deficiencies
Detroit’s perimeter features defense-first players like Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson, both of whom provide limited offensive output. The Pistons cannot sustain a rotation spot occupied by a player with negative offensive value, making LeVert’s struggles a pressing concern.
Coach Bickerstaff might consider redistributing some of LeVert’s minutes to guards Kevin Huerter and Marcus Sasser. While Huerter has yet to find consistent scoring since his arrival, his ability to space the floor remains valuable. Sasser, who has seen inconsistent court time due to Detroit’s crowded backcourt, has demonstrated solid shooting when given opportunities, making 40.9% of his three-point attempts and creating offense for both himself and teammates.
Given his youth and potential future with the team, Marcus Sasser may be a better option than LeVert as the regular season winds down and the playoffs approach.
What Lies Ahead for the Pistons and LeVert
As the Pistons prepare for the playoff push, adjusting the rotation and maximizing offensive efficiency will be critical for sustaining their competitive edge. The decision to reduce Caris LeVert’s minutes in favor of younger shooters like Marcus Sasser reflects the urgency to improve scoring balance without sacrificing defensive stability. How J.B. Bickerstaff manages this transition could significantly influence Detroit’s postseason trajectory and their quest to make a deep playoff run.
