Pistons saw why John Collins at center is both a weapon and a weakness

JB Bickerstaff's experiment worked...and didn't.

By Aaron Kellerstrass · Piston Powered

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 11:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Aaron Kellerstrass argues starting John Collins at center provided offensive speed but created severe interior defensive issues.
Detroit head coach JB Bickerstaff promoted Daniss Jenkins to the starting lineup and benched Paul Reed.
Anthony Davis scored 30 first-half points and finished with 44 points against Detroit's smaller lineup.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff shifted John Collins to starting center against the Washington Wizards, benching Paul Reed and starting Daniss Jenkins. The writer argues this small-ball lineup proved to be both a weapon and a weakness, supercharging Detroit's pace in a victory but leaving their interior defense exposed to Anthony Davis, who scored 44 points.

The small lineup allowed Detroit to generate 19 fast-break points off 19 Wizards turnovers and earn 31 free-throw attempts. However, the writer notes Detroit was heavily outrebounded without injured Jalen Duren, arguing that using Collins at center is best reserved for short bursts rather than full games.

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Pistons saw why John Collins at center is both a weapon and a weakness

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