Josh Smith and Greg Monroe are expected to battle for the starting power forward job this preseason, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Smith and Greg Monroe are expected to battle for the starting power forward job this preseason, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis:

After Smith's disastrous turn as the Pistons' primary small forward last season, new head coach Stan Van Gundy isn't expected to run out a starting lineup of Smith, Monroe and Andre Drummond in the front court. Drummond is a lock to start at center, leaving Smith and Monroe to battle for the power forward gig. Van Gundy hasn't tipped his hand in either direction yet, but the fact that Smith holds a long-term contract with the Pistons while Monroe will hit free agency after the season could factor into the decision. Monroe will open the season serving a two-game suspension, so a final decision may not become apparent until the Pistons' third game of the regular season. While a starting gig would make Smith slightly more appealing, he would still be expected to log heavy minutes as a reserve.