LAS VEGAS >> The NBA is still three months away from the start of the 2025-26 season, but rookies and prospects can begin to lay the groundwork for a successful season during the 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League tournament. With Bronny James (Los Angeles Lakers) and Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) participating, the NBA kicked off its annual tournament on Thursday.

The Detroit Pistons had to wait an extra day before joining the festivities against the New York Knicks Friday at Cox Pavilion. For the first time since 2019, the Pistons’ Summer League roster will not feature a lottery pick. Several players still have a lot at stake as they strive to secure a place in coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s rotation for next season. Others also aim to showcase their skills in front of scouts, which could help them land a spot with another NBA team.

Although watching the growth and development of several players will be the primary goal for president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, he believes the Pistons have a good chance to compete for the championship as long as they stay true to the team’s identity.

“Just sticking to our brand of basketball — a physical brand of basketball, defensive-minded, but also getting up and down the court and playing unselfishly,” Langdon said. “We have a good group. We also have some experienced exhibit guys. We have a good balance group. We will come in and compete and have a defensive slant as usual.”

Here are three things to follow in the Summer League:

Can Bobi Klintman build a case for a rotational spot?

Klintman may have the most to gain from any player on the Pistons’ Summer League roster. Detroit has a slight need for a forward capable of scoring in various ways, and Klintman may have the potential to fulfill the vacancy. If not for an uncanny calf contusion sustained during the first week of training camp, perhaps the 6-foot-9 forward would have had a minor role in the rotation last season.

Klintman showed glimpses of his scoring ability in 31 games with the Motor City Cruise, averaging 12.2 points on 42.6% shooting. He scored a career-high 26 points (53.3% FG) during the Cruise’s 135-121 victory over the Cleveland Charge on March 16; however, the game also served as an opportunity for Klintman to showcase his all-around talents. He proved that he can be a relentless rebounder by registering 10 boards and displayed his vision by adding eight assists.

Despite struggling with his 3-point shooting in the G League (29.9%), Klintman could help stretch the floor for the Pistons next season. A successful performance in Las Vegas may help Klintman fill the backup power forward position, a significant void that the Pistons have yet to address this summer.

What does Ron Holland’s development look like heading into Year 2?

Holland is the only player on the roster guaranteed a rotation spot for next season, but his performance in Las Vegas could help the Pistons refine his development. He played a vital role for Detroit last season, yet his decision-making and 3-point shooting left much to be desired on several occasions.

Since the start of the offseason, Langdon has said Holland has put in a significant amount of work, with a particular emphasis on his 3-point shooting. It’s unclear how many games Holland will play in Las Vegas, but each time he steps onto the floor, he must display a better shot after making 23.8% from deep during his rookie season.

“I’m excited to see Ron,” Langdon said. “He has been relentlessly in here, not only working on his game, but working on his shot. He has been getting into the lane and creating for others. He and Bobi have been working extremely hard to prepare for this, and we are excited to see what they can do in those games in Vegas.”

Can Chaz Lanier shake up the guard depth?

Lanier confidently asserts he is ready to make an immediate impact next season, yet he is joining a team with a strong presence at the guard position. Jaden Ivey’s return will mark his fourth year starting alongside All-NBA Cade Cunningham, while Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser and Duncan Robinson serve as reserves.

An impressive outing in Las Vegas could also lead to Daniss Jenkins, a two-way prospect, competing for a roster spot in the guard rotation.

There is a strong chance Lanier may not be able to crack the rotation next season, but he can start to distinguish himself from his peers with a strong Summer League performance.

It’s no secret Lanier is a talented shooter. He shot 40.2% from beyond the arc during his five-year college career, and replacing Malik Beasley’s production will require a group effort for the Pistons. Nonetheless, to make a case for why he deserves a chance to compete for a rotational spot come October, Lanier must use the Summer League to prove that he will not be a liability on defense.

As a 6-foot-4 guard, he has the size to hold his own on the defensive end and made notable strides during his lone season at Tennessee. However, the rookie prospect must prove he can sustain his defensive growth at a higher level.

Summer League roster

Listed with 2024-25 team in parentheses.

• Guards: Sincere Carry (Phoenix Hagen), Trevor Keels (Iowa Wolves), Daniss Jenkins (Pistons), Chaz Lanier (Tennessee), T.J. Madlock (Alabama State), Brice Williams (Nebraska), Zakai Zeigler (Tennessee).

• Forwards: T.J. Bickerstaff (AEL Limassol), Dawson Garcia (Minnesota), Ron Holland II (Pistons), Bobi Klintman (Pistons), Miller Kopp (Oklahoma City Blue), John Ukomadu (Motor City Cruise).

• Centers: Garrison Brooks (Wolves Twinsbet), Tolu Smith (Pistons)

Summer League schedule

• Sunday: Pistons vs. Rockets, 4 p.m., ESPN2

• Tuesday: Pistons vs. Timberwolves, 4:30 p.m., NBA TV

• Thursday: Pistons vs. Heat, 4 p.m., NBA TV